Céline Dion has been immortalised in Barbie form, with Mattel releasing a signature doll inspired by one of the most memorable performances of her career.
The Canadian superstar, 58, has been honoured with the doll as she makes her long-awaited return to the stage with a residency in Paris.
The figure pays tribute to the navy, long-sleeved dress Dion wore when she performed My Heart Will Go On, the iconic theme song from Titanic, at the Academy Awards in 1998.
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The doll also wears a blue necklace inspired by the fictional Heart of the Ocean, the striking piece of jewellery that plays a central role in the 1997 blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
Dion wore a replica of the necklace during her Oscar performance, bringing together two of the most recognisable elements of the film and cementing the moment in both cinematic and fashion history.
Speaking about the honour, the singer said: “It is a true honour to join the Barbie legacy with a doll inspired by one of the most meaningful moments of my career.
“I hope this doll inspires everyone to express themselves with confidence, follow their dreams and believe in the power of their own voice.”
Céline Dion. Photo credit: Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
The release comes at a significant time for Dion, who recently returned to live performances after years of treatment for stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological condition that forced her to cancel touring commitments and step away from the stage.
However, her comeback concerts have also attracted attention after the singer experienced difficulties during a recent performance in Paris.
During her 11th concert at the Paris La Défense Arena on Wednesday, Dion became emotional while performing Pour que tu m’aimes encore, a French-language ballad.
Footage shared on Instagram showed the singer pausing as the audience joined her in singing before covering her face with her hands and admitting that she had lost her place in the song.
“I’m forgetting my words,” she told the crowd.
Audience members helped her continue, with Dion thanking them for their support and adding: “Thank goodness you’re here, I’m sorry.”
@albertgordon85 When Céline forgot her lyrics N11 the crowd didn’t skip a beat to help her get back on track. We love you Céline, we will always have your back! So happy and proud that you are back on stage doing what you love 💕 @Celine Dion #celinedion #paris #celinedionparis #plenitudearena #concert ♬ original sound - Albert Gordon
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the singer also lost her balance while performing Un autre monde. She quickly recovered and gave the audience a thumbs-up.
The moments prompted concern among some fans given Dion's ongoing treatment for stiff-person syndrome, which can cause muscle stiffness and painful spasms. However, no medical explanation has been established for either incident.
Dion first revealed her diagnosis publicly in December 2022, explaining that the condition had affected her ability to sing and perform. She subsequently cancelled a number of tour dates as she focused on her health.
Her return to the stage has been a major moment for fans, many of whom feared they might never see the singer perform live again.
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My Heart Will Go On became one of the defining songs of the 1990s after its release as the theme for Titanic.
The track went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, while also becoming one of Dion's signature hits.
