Céline Dion moved everyone as she presented her documentary in New York, thanking her children and receiving a standing ovation.
At the New York premiere of “I Am: Celine Dion,” an upcoming Prime Video documentary that explores the legendary artist’s life and her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disease, Dion introduced the film and thanked everyone involved, including her children. The “Queen of Power Ballads” took the stage to briefly speak about the documentary and was immediately greeted with a thunderous ovation.
At the beginning of her speech, she thanked her doctor, Dr. Amanda Piquet, and the documentary director, Irene Taylor Brodsky. Dion, 56, also told the audience that it was the largest crowd she had been in front of in years.
“Of course, I wouldn’t be here without the daily love and support of my wonderful children,” she said. Dion shares three children: René-Charles, 23, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13, with her late husband René Angélil.
“Thank you, René-Charles. Thank you, Nelson. Thank you, Eddy. Thank you so much,” she said as the audience continued their passionate applause.
She continued, “And thank you, my fans, your presence in my journey has been a gift beyond imagination. Your unwavering love and support through all circumstances have brought me to this moment.”
“One of the stories you will hear from me in this film, as I was reading and learning about my condition, is that I compared myself —and I don’t say this because we’re in New York— but I compared myself to an apple. Oh, it sounds like we made it up, but I did, and it was in Las Vegas,” she joked.
“When I told myself that I compared myself to an apple on a tree, [I said]: ‘I don’t want [you, my fans] waiting in line any longer if I don’t have shiny apples for you,’” she continued. “Then, a couple of days ago, I saw a message from a fan that said: ‘We’re not here for the apple. We’re here for the truth.’”
“I can’t believe how lucky I am to have friends in my life,” she said while wiping away a tear.
Then, René-Charles took the stage and brought her a tissue. “Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being part of my journey. This film is my love letter to each of you.”
“I hope to see you all again very soon,” she concluded as she received a standing ovation.
Once the screening ended, Dion and Taylor greeted the audience while continuing to receive applause.
The five-time Grammy winner wore an all-white outfit that included a long skirt and an elegant long-sleeved blouse for the event. She accessorized her attire with a silver belt, matching bracelets, and stud earrings.
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