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On Monday, Celine Dion returned to the red carpet for the New York premiere of “I Am: Céline Dion,” a documentary about her battle with stiff neck syndrome.
“Extra’s” Tommy Didario spoke with Dion, who revealed that her children are her greatest strength and her number one priority in everything she does.
“As a mother, my number one priority is to help myself and my children,” she said.
Recalling the fear she felt before learning of her diagnosis, Celine said: “Before I knew what I was dealing with, all I felt was fear. Am I going to die? My kids have already lost their father and I don’t know what’s going on. My fans don’t know where I am. So it was a lot of stress for me, because first of all I’m a mother and I have a right to know what’s going on.”
Dion said it took a “long time” to find a team of doctors who could help confirm his diagnosis.
She emphasized, “My children have a right to know what’s going on. They are the greatest reward in my life.”
Dion admitted that a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders when she made her diagnosis public. She added, “I’ve started rehab. It’s a process, but it’s OK because I have to find my inner strength as a mother, as an artist, and as I prepare to return to the stage.”
“My story remains the same,” Dion said of her decision to do the documentary. “I’ve been in show business my whole life, and I couldn’t just disappear without informing the fans who’ve helped get me to this point.”
Celine admitted she was “deeply moved” by the love and support she received in New York. “I never expected so many people to support me,” she said.
Dion expressed her love for her fans, adding, “I’m here because they reached out and they gave me a career, so they deserve to know. So I hope this documentary brings awareness to the world and I want to thank them for being here.”
When Tommy asked her about rumors of her returning to Las Vegas, she declared, “Yes, it is!” and even broke into song.
“I Am: Celine Dion” will premiere on Prime Video on June 25th.
