On Saturday, singer Celine Dion released a statement condemning former President Donald Trump’s campaign for using her music without permission at a recent rally, while also humorously critiquing the choice of song.
The Trump campaign has featured Dion’s hit “My Heart Will Go On” at various rallies throughout 2023 and 2024.
However, Dion’s statement revealed that she and her management team had only recently discovered its use, particularly highlighting its playback at Trump’s rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday.
“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,” Dion said in a statement posted to her X and Instagram accounts.
“In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. … And really, THAT song?”
“My Heart Will Go On” is a romantic ballad that served as the theme song to James Cameron’s “Titanic.” Released in 1997, it is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
CNN has contacted the Trump campaign to inquire if they plan to stop using the song at upcoming events.
Previously, artists such as Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Ozzy Osbourne, Queen, and the estate of George Harrison have also protested against Donald Trump’s use of their music during his presidential campaigns, dating back to his initial run in 2016.
Celine Dion recently made news for her dramatic return to the stage with a performance of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour” at the Olympics opening ceremony.
It was her first concert performance since revealing that she is living with stiff person syndrome, “a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.