A tearful Celine Dion was handed a tissue to dry her eyes at the premiere of her new film, which documents her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
The superstar received a standing ovation during the New York screening of I Am: Celine Dion.
The film documents her efforts to carry on performing despite her diagnosis.
Supporting her every step of the way was her 23-year-old son, RC Angelil, as she took to the stage to announce her documentary.
“I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have my fans in my life,” Celine said as she addressed the audience.
“Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart for being part of my journey.”
The singer, best known for her hits including My Heart Will Go On and Think Twice, revealed her SPS diagnosis in December 2022.
Due to her diagnosis, Celine was forced to cancel her Courage World Tour.
Stiff Person Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes muscular stiffness.
It can cause spasms so strong that ribs can break and can cause the sensation of strangulation.
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During the premiere, Dion said she “wouldn’t be here without my wonderful children’s daily love and support.”
The 56-year-old also said in the film that she compares herself to an apple while learning more about her condition.
She told her fans: “I compared myself to an apple from a tree; I don’t want you to wait in line anymore if I don’t have any shining apples for you.
“So, a couple of days ago, I saw a message from a fan that said, ‘We’re not here for the apples; we’re here for the tree.”
