Standing ovations aren't that rare at the Grammys , but the thunderous applause for Céline Dion on Feb. 4 seemed to go on and on. Because they love her, yes, but also because it was just such a relief to see the French-Canadian singer, escorted by her eldest son René-Charles Dion Angélil , in person.
"I love you right back," Dion, elegant in a mustard overcoat by Valentino, told the audience as she took the stage to present Album of the Year, the final award of the night. "When I say that I'm happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart." Amid news there was a documentary in the works about her health journey , her momentous appearance was the first step on her cautious road back to public life, 14 months after sharing she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome , a rare progressive neurological disorder that can cause muscle spasms.
"For a long time—for so many years—I have felt the love and the support of my fans around the world," Dion exclusively told E! News at the June 17 premiere of I Am: Céline Dion , premiering June 25 on Amazon Prime Video. "They helped me to get where I am today." She was nervous about revealing what she was really going through and not being at her best—as she's known for being each and every time she performs.
But Dion ultimately decided that everyone who's supported her through the years deserved to know, "because I respect my fans, my family, my kids, myself." Dion opted to open the doors into her private world for aware.
