Celine Dion fans were concerned last year when the chart-topping icon disclosed that she had been diagnosed with a rare neurological illness that would force her to stop performing.
While fans won’t be able to see her perform live anytime soon, that doesn’t mean they won’t hear new music from the pop sensation: Dion released her first music since her diagnosis today, and fans love it.
Dion has released an official lyric video for her new song “Love Again,” which serves as the theme song for the film of the same name, which will be released on May 15.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Love Again film will star Priyanka Chopra Jones, Sam Heughan, and Celine Dion as herself in her first cinematic role.
The soundtrack for the film, which will be released on May 12, includes five new songs by Dion and six of her previous classics, including “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
Many of Celine Dion’s biggest hits have appeared on movie soundtracks, like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Because You Loved Me” (from Up Close and Personal), and “My Heart Will Go On” (from Titanic), so fans will undoubtedly be delighted to hear all of the songs she has written for this new film.
This new single has piqued fans’ interest because it is the first English-language new music she has published since her 2019 album Courage — and it is the first time she has released new music since revealing a severe medical diagnosis last year.
In an emotional video shared with followers on Instagram, Dion revealed that she had a “one in a million” ailment called stiff-person syndrome. This degenerative nervous system disorder affects the brain and spinal cord and can produce severe spasms and limit mobility. The disease is incurable, but symptoms can be managed.
“I’ve always been an open book, and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now,” Dion explained.
Fans were already aware of Dion’s troubles with muscle spasms, which caused her to cancel North American tour dates in January, but this is the first time she has addressed the underlying disease.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” the singer revealed. “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes making it difficult for me to walk and preventing me from using my vocal cords to sing as I used to.”
Though the news was heartbreaking for Dion and many admirers around the world, she expressed hope that with time and continued treatments, she might be able to regain her voice and resume performing.
“Every day, I work hard with my sports medicine therapist to regain my strength and ability to perform.” But I must admit, it’s been difficult,” Dion admitted. “I have a wonderful team of doctors working with me to help me get better, as well as my precious children who are encouraging me and giving me hope.”
“Seeing you all, being on stage, performing for you. I always give my all when I perform, but my health prevents me from doing so right now.”
Dion has kept a low profile since the announcement, but her sister Claudette has provided updates on her health and expressed confidence.
“I am confident that life will give her back what she gave because she is a brilliant woman, so very generous and talented, and in love with life,” Claudette told the Montreal newspaper Le Journal de Montréal. “Rather than crying over her fate, I try to send her positive vibes hoping that one day she will go back on stage.”
“I firmly believe in the healing power of love. I certainly wish her the best of luck. As she recovers, she is surrounded by specialists.”
Celine Dion has sold over 200 million albums worldwide. Hit singles include “The Power of Love,” “Because You Loved Me,” “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” and the Titanic theme song “My Heart Will Go On.” Her albums Falling Into You and Let’s Talk About Love have each sold over a million copies and are among the best-selling albums ever.
She has five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Album of the Year. Her previous Las Vegas performance residency was the highest-grossing residency in music history.
Celine Dion is a unique talent, and we wish her the best. While she cannot do concerts now, we are pleased to see that she is still producing new music!
