On Saturday, Celine Dion issued a statement criticizing former President Donald Trump’s campaign for the “unauthorized” use of her music.
The campaign had played Dion’s hit song, “My Heart Will Go On,” at several rallies in 2023 and 2024. Dion’s statement revealed that she and her management team had only recently discovered its use. Specifically, the song had been played at a Trump rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday.
Dion’s Reaction
Dion expressed her disapproval through a statement posted on her X and Instagram accounts.
In her statement, she said, “Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump/JD Vance campaign rally in Montana.” Moreover, she emphasized that this use was not authorized.
She emphasized, “In no way was this use authorized, and Celine Dion did not endorse this or any similar use. Furthermore, she added, ‘And really, THAT song?’”
“My Heart Will Go On” was a romantic ballad from James Cameron’s 1997 film “Titanic.” It became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Given its emotional and iconic status, Dion’s song was a surprising choice for a political rally.
Dion made headlines last month for a different reason. She performed Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour” at the Olympics opening ceremony.
This performance marked her return to the stage after revealing that she was living with stiff-person syndrome. This rare, progressive syndrome, which affected the nervous system—including the brain and spinal cord—according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, significantly impacted her ability to perform
Céline Dion’s Journey with Stiff-Person Syndrome
Two years ago, Céline Dion shared that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare disease that causes muscle spasms and stiffness. As a result, this condition had a significant impact on her daily life and performance abilities.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, she talked about how these spasms affected her daily life, making it hard for her to walk and use her voice.
“I’m working hard with my therapist every day to regain my strength and ability to perform, but I have to admit: It’s been a struggle. Singing is all I know.” Dion said
Recently, a new documentary called I Am: Celine Dion premiered on June 25 on Prime Video. This film gave viewers a close look at Dion’s life with the disease.
It included raw footage of Dion having a seizure during a physical therapy session. Director Irene Taylor explained in an interview that Dion chose to keep this footage in the film because it would help people understand what it’s like to be in her body.