Legions of fans fell in love with Celine Dion’s iconic voice nearly 40 years ago and stood by her during difficult times. She fell in love with Rene Angelil, and the pair shared three sons. She lost her husband in 2016, and while many thought that was Celine’s most difficult battle, she faced her own health crisis. Celine noticed symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome in 2008 while on tour.
Videos by InspireMore
Her health continued to decline, and she announced her diagnosis to the world in 2022. She’s made only a handful of public appearances since August 2022, most notably her performance at the Paris Olympic Games. On October 22, Celine Dion appeared at City of Hope’s 2024 Spirit of Life Gala to the delight of her fans.
The Crowd Gave Celine Dion A Standing Ovation
According to People, she attended to present the Spirit of Life Award to Jay Marciana, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents. When she walked on stage, the crowd went crazy for Celine. She told attendees, “This is the first time I’ve been on stage since I was up in that tower. And I kind of miss it,” referring to her performance at the Olympics.
The gala is vital to City of Hope’s annual philanthropic campaign. Funds raised benefit childhood, adolescent, and young adolescent cancer survivorship programs.
“This City of Hope is so well-named,” she continued. “It does so much more than the important research leading to new treatments. It provides care to people in their greatest time of need at the most difficult and challenging moment of their lives. That is so important,” she added.
“It provides the most precious ingredient, it provides hope. And I know how important that is,” Celine said. “I know that in our wonderful lives, filled with family and joy and love, we can also be presented with tremendous challenges, with great tests about faith and strength. To many of us who experience this at some point, what a joy it is to come together with everyone in this room tonight to do everything in our power to help spread this great gift of hope.”
Although she’s been battling her health lately, she’s determined to make a comeback. Celine Dion told the BBC in June that she was ready to perform.
“We have been working so hard to put this show together because I’m back,” she said. “I’ll be on stage. I don’t know when exactly, but trust me I will scream it out loud. “I can’t wait.”
This story’s featured image is by Tom Rose via Shutterstock.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
