Céline Dion made a stunning comeback at the Paris Olympic Games, wowing the crowd with a grand performance.
She closed the ceremony on Friday with a heartfelt version of Edith Piaf’s classic song, “L’Hymne à l’amour,” singing from the first stage of the Eiffel Tower.
Dion was in great shape, her powerful voice hitting every high note perfectly. She looked amazing in a beautiful beaded white gown with tassels, adding to the event’s grandeur.
After her performance, Kelly Clarkson, who was commentating for NBC, was initially speechless. She then called Dion “a vocal athlete” in admiration.
This live performance is Céline Dion’s first concert since she revealed her struggle with stiff person syndrome. This rare condition affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord, and is progressive.
In December 2022, Dion, now 56, announced she was stepping back from her career to focus on her health. She explained that the syndrome made it difficult for her to sing like she used to.
Dion’s last live performance was in March 2020 in New Jersey. At the Olympics opening, Lady Gaga also performed a tribute to France’s famous Music Hall star from the 1950s, Zizi Jeanmaire, by singing “Mon truc en plume” along the Seine river.
Last month, Dion opened up about the challenges she faces living with stiff person syndrome while promoting her new documentary ‘I Am: Celine Dion’ on Amazon.
In an interview with NBC’s Hoda Kotb, she described how trying to sing with her condition feels “like somebody is strangling you.” She elaborated on the impact of the syndrome, which causes involuntary spasms and muscle rigidity, affecting various parts of her body, including her abdomen, spine, and ribs.
“I have broken ribs at one point because sometimes when it’s very severe, it can break some ribs as well,” the Grammy-winner shared. Despite these challenges, Dion has not allowed her diagnosis to completely sideline her. She made a notable appearance at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, presenting the final trophy of the evening.
In her documentary, Dion expressed her unwavering determination to return to performing. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl,” she said. “And I won’t stop. I won’t stop.”
Her return at the Olympics not only marked a significant moment in her career but also showcased her resilience and dedication to her craft, inspiring fans and fellow performers alike.
Japanese Couple Didn’t Speak to Each Other for 20 Years, and the Reason Is Astonishing
The topic of what constitutes a lasting and prosperous marriage has been a subject of ongoing discussion. While effective communication is often considered a crucial factor, a Japanese couple defied expectations by maintaining a 20-year marriage without saying a word. The surprising rationale behind their silent union adds an intriguing twist to their story.
A Japanese husband took the “silent treatment” to a whole new level.
The silent treatment entails the refusal to participate in verbal communication when someone is trying to engage and elicit a response. It is not unusual to observe a pause in communication following an argument.
However, can you imagine the difficulty of being married to a spouse who persistently avoids communication? This was the situation for a couple from the Nara region in Japan. Otou Katayama and his wife Yumi faced a prolonged two-decade rough patch in their relationship.
For decades, the man refrained from speaking to his wife, even though they lived under the same roof.
Otou Katayama continued to reside with his children and wife. Despite Yumi Katayama’s attempts to initiate conversations with her husband, she consistently faced a dearth of genuine responses. Instead, Otou communicated approval or disapproval through non-verbal cues, relying on grunts and nods.
Surprisingly, the idea of seeking a divorce or separation never crossed the wife’s mind. The couple even extended their family by welcoming a third child, all while Otou Katayama maintained his silent demeanor towards his wife.
The reason behind Katayama’s silence is even more surprising.
Years later, the father and husband elucidated the reasons behind imposing a 20-year silent treatment on his wife. Katayama believed he was lacking the attention he desired from his wife, feeling that her care was predominantly focused on their children.
Initially, he merely sulked about the situation, but over time, this evolved into a sense of jealousy toward his kids and his wife, who exhibited deep involvement in the upbringing of their offspring—perhaps a level of involvement that exceeded Katayama’s preferences.
Thanks to a TV show, husband and wife finally exchanged words after 20 years.
After two decades of silence, the adult children of the Japanese couple decided to take matters into their own hands. They approached a TV show, seeking assistance in resolving the longstanding conflict between their parents. TV Hokkaido stepped in to help the children witness Katayama speaking to his wife for the first time.
The children confessed that they couldn’t recall ever hearing a conversation between their parents. TV Hokkaido orchestrated a meeting between Otou and Yumi at a park, the same location as their first date many years ago. Unbeknownst to the spouses, their children, along with the audience, observed the emotional moment unfolding before their eyes.
After some initial hesitation, Otou Katayama finally mustered the courage to speak a few words to his wife, Yumi. In that moment, the husband felt a heightened sense of remorse and understanding regarding the situation. Katayama conveyed to his wife that he was aware of the pain and hardship his prolonged silence had caused her. Despite his regret, he also expressed gratitude to Yumi for standing by him throughout two decades of his silent period, which ultimately came to an end on that day.
Undoubtedly, the relationship between Otou and Yumi is distinctive, much like that of the couple from our previous article who, despite the woman’s disability and the criticism they faced, embarked on the journey of starting a family and became parents.
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