It won't be long before fans will be able to see Celine Dion like never before.
Amazon and MGM Studios announced the release date for the highly anticipated documentary about the Canadian superstar, I Am: Celine Dion, on Tuesday, April 16. The film, which examines Dion's legendary career and recent diagnosis with the rare autoimmune neurological disorder stiff-person syndrome (SPS), will debut on streaming globally on Tuesday, June 25.
In addition to announcing the release date for the upcoming documentary directed by Irene Taylor, a first look image of I Am: Céline Dion was also revealed.
Celine Dion on 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen'. Photo: CHARLES SYKES/BRAVO/NBCU PHOTO BANK VIA GETTY
The shot is a recent image of the "My Heart Will Go On" singer, 56, taken from her side profile with her hair pulled back. Dion appears to be in high spirits in the photo, as she's in the midst of holding up an empowered fist.
The Grammy winner posted the preview image on her Instagram and teased the release date, as well as the film's official synopsis, in the caption.
A handful of fans took to the comments to share how much they're looking forward to the documentary.
"OMG MOTHER IS COMINGGGG," one follower replied, while another said, "I can't wait to see this- WE LOVE YOU CELINE!!"
Fellow hitmaker Cyndi Lauper also commented, "Many many blessings! Love you Celine!"
Celine Dion performing at Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on July 5, 2019 in London, England. Photo: SAMIR HUSSEIN/REDFERNS
I Am: Celine Dion is described in the official synopsis as "a love letter to fans" and "a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness."
The film also "highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit," according to the synopsis.
Taylor, who helms the project, is an Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmaker. She previously directed hit documentaries like Beware the Slenderman and Leave No Trace: A Hidden History of the Boy Scouts, among others.
When the forthcoming doc was announced earlier this year in January, Dion shared a statement in a press release. She said, "This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me."
"As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans,” the "I'm Alive" singer continued. "During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis."
I Am: Celine Dion is set to premiere nearly two and a half years since the songstress first publicly shared in late 2022 that she had been diagnosed with SPS.
At the time, the songstress opened up to fans in a video posted to Instagram about the condition, which affects the central nervous system and can cause "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," per the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation.
Several months after announcing her diagnosis, Dion also made the decision to cancel her tour dates for the foreseeable future to focus on her health.
In more recent months, the pop icon has stepped out for several public appearances, including several NHL games and the 2024 Grammys in February, where she surprised the crowd by presenting the album of the year award.
Dion shared a post on Instagram in mid-March in honor of SPS Awareness Day and opened up in the caption about how she's working hard to "overcome" the condition.
Along with a photo of herself posing all three of her sons — René-Charles, 23, and 13-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson — the superstar wrote, "Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day."
"As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)," she continued. "Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible. I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!"
Dion concluded, "I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!"
