Celine Dion has received an emotional standing ovation at the premiere of her new film, which documents the lengths she has taken in order to fight stiff person syndrome.

The music superstar announced in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with the rare condition after being forced to cancel a Las Vegas residency and tour dates.

Earlier this month, she revealed she took life-threatening doses of diazepam to help ease muscle spasms so she could perform on stage.

Now, her story is being told in I Am: Celine Dion, which premiered in New York on Monday.

She became emotional as she received a standing ovation from the crowd.

“I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have my fans in my life,” the star said on stage. “Thank you to all of you for being part of my journey.

“This movie is my love letter to each of you. I hope to see you all again very, very soon.”

Dion, 56, said she had felt the presence of her fans while trying to recover, adding: “Your never-ending love and support over all these years has delivered me to this moment.”

Fans will be able to see I Am: Celine Dion, which is directed by the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor, on Prime Video from 25 June.

Read more:
Sir Ian McKellen falls off stage during fight scene
Joe Wicks welcomes fourth child

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Until earlier in 2024, the singer had largely been absent from public life for several years.

In February, she delighted the audience at the Grammys as she presented the award for album of the year, which went to Taylor Swift.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Dion, whose best-known hits include My Heart Will Go On, Think Twice, Because You Loved Me, and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, has sold more than 250 million albums during her 40-year career, earning five Grammys, two Oscars and the Billboard Music Award lifetime achievement icon award.

Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive muscular stiffness, which can cause spasms so strong that can break ribs and feel like strangulation of the throat, she has said previously.

Related posts:

Lady Gaga dog walker screamed ‘Oh my God! I’ve been shot!’, CCTV of robbery shows Love Island stars to be offered minimum of eight therapy sessions after show Bafta nominations, Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain ‘I was nervous I might be thrown in the tower’: Camilla meets actress who plays her in The Crown Dizzee Rascal investigated by police after smashing a camera following guilty verdict Beyoncé announces her first album in six years ‘It’s a bit sad…’: Guy Pearce reveals how he and Jason Donovan reminisce about Neighbours Law & Order crew member shot dead on set Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie dies aged 79 Super Mario Bros Movie stars: ‘Our toughest critic will be some middle-aged man living in his basement’ Museum seeks Taylor Swift ‘superfan’ adviser BAFTA TV Awards: The full list of nominated shows and stars