Celine Dion Gives Emotional Speech At Documentary Premiere | HuffPost Entertainment

Celine Dion gave a teary yet triumphant speech this week at the premiere of her new documentary, and made her first red carpet appearance since she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that has affected her livelihood and ability to perform shows.

The five-time Grammy winner became visibly emotional after she was greeted with a standing ovation at New Yorks Lincoln Center on Monday to introduce I Am: Celine Dion . Directed by Irene Taylor and due out on Amazon Prime Video next week, the film offers an in-depth look at the pop superstars experience with stiff-person syndrome, or SPS.

In her remarks, Dion praised Taylors work and credited her neurologist, Dr. Amanda Piquet, for having replaced my fear with hope. She also referenced a memorable scene from the film in which she likens herself to a tree unable to bear as many apples as it once did.

I dont want you to wait in line anymore if I dont have any shiny apples for you, she explained. A couple of days ago, I saw a message from a fan, and it said: Were not here for the apples. Were here for the tree.

Celine Dion tears up during the introduction to her documentary \"I Am: Celine Dion\" and says, \"I hope to see you all again very, very soon.\" pic.twitter.com/qxYp2UcOeZ

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Celine Dion tears up during the introduction to her documentary "I Am: Celine Dion" and says, "I hope to see you all again very, very soon." pic.twitter.com/qxYp2UcOeZ
Variety (@Variety) June 18, 2024

I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have my fans in my life, Dion said. Thank you to all of you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of my journey. This movie is my love letter to each of you.

Dion went public with her SPS diagnosis in December 2022, noting at the time that the condition had significantly affected her personal and professional life.

Since then, shes been mostly absent from the spotlight and on social media. In February, however, she made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammys to present the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift .

Early reviews of I Am: Celine Dion have been positive . The Hollywood Reporter called it the rare celebrity doc that fulfills its promise of intimacy.