Céline Dion has shared emotional messages – in both English and French – about the COVID-19 crisis.
“These are incredibly difficult times that we are dealing with right now but I hope that you are all doing your best to stay healthy and as positive as can be during this situation,” the Canadian singer said.
Reading from a prepared statement, Dion paid tribute to people who continue to do their jobs during the pandemic.
“There are so many heroes out there, around the world, who are going to work every single day – risking their lives and sometimes sacrificing their lives – for the rest of us. These people have families and loved ones who they are worried about but they still go out to work,” she said.
“We’re talking about health care workers, first responders, social workers and essential services providers such as grocery store and delivery employees. We cannot thank all of you enough. We salute your bravery.”
Dion also encouraged her fans to follow guidelines put out by governments and health experts. “Please do your part and stay at home,” she said. “If you must go out, be sure to practice physical distancing.
“Let’s take care of each other and I know we will get through this together.”
Dion has so far been forced to postpone 17 shows on her Courage World Tour – including six scheduled for Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg – due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The video messages follow a statement Dion shared last month on Instagram, in which she assured her fans she was at home with her family “taking all the necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe.”
In the March 19th message, Dion shared words of encouragement to people experiencing hardships as a result of the lockdown. “I wish you strength and courage, and I hope that positive news and progress will return our lives back to normal sooner rather than later,” she said. "Now more than ever, I hope you find music as a source of comfort, healing and peace.”
Dion is one of the stars scheduled to be part of the One World: Together At Home broadcast on Saturday night.