Fact Check: Is Celine Dion dead? Online rumor debunked ahead of singer's Olympics Opening Ceremony performance

Amid Celine Dion's upcoming performance at the Olympics Opening Ceremony, rumors about her death have been spreading online. Many confused netizens took to social media, with most asking if the singer had passed away. One user wrote on X:

"OMG CÉLINE DION PASSED AWAY."

Another user tweeted:

"This lady on Fox reported Celine Dion died wha she didn't"

However, these rumors are false and have been debunked. Firstly, Dion is reportedly included in the Olympics performance lineup. She has also been seen in several videos and photos in Paris. The 56-year-old singer shared her photos from Paris on X on July 24, writing:

"Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world. I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back! Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Louvre!"

This confirms that the singer is alive and is set to perform at the opening ceremony on July 26, as reported by the French newspaper Le Parisien. Celine Dion was also greeted by her fans in Paris, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch.

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Celine Dion to perform at the opening ceremony, her first since 2022 Stiff-Person Syndrome diagnosis

The singer stepped back from the limelight in 2022 after being diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome. Her performance at the Olympics Opening Ceremony performance, set for today, was supposed to mark her massive comeback. The Mirror reported that the singer would earn about $2 million for her performance.

The neurological condition has forced her to cancel several shows over the years, and her fans are excited about her return. Earlier this year, Celine Dion shared her experiences and battles with SPS in her regular life. In April 2024, when asked about resuming her tours and stage shows, she told Vogue France,

"I can't answer that. Because for four years I've been saying to myself that I won't go back, that I'm ready, that I'm not ready..."

She also mentioned that she was preparing her body well, and coordinating with her medical team in the best possible way. In the interview, Celine Dion revealed her dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower again, stating that she believed she had two choices: either to sit at home and "sing to herself" or to train her body "like an athlete."

After her diagnosis in 2022, Celine Dion ended up canceling the rest of her Courage Tour in May 2023. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the singer told her fans:

"I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%."

In June, she spoke to NBC about her condition again and mentioned that it often felt like somebody was "strangling" her. According to the singer, the symptoms began in her throat and then impacted her upper body muscles as well. Her documentary I Am: Celine Dion also detailed the struggles she had been facing as someone with SPS, which often included painful spasms.

In the same NBC interview, Dion spoke about her upcoming performance and said:

"I'm going to go back on stage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands. I will. I am Céline Dion because today, my voice will be heard for the first time — not just because I have to or because I need to. It's because I want to. And I miss it."

Fans have, however, shown excitement after the confirmation of Celine Dion's performance had been made. Other artists including, Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Gojira, have also been set to perform today at the Olympics Opening Ceremony.