Dear Readers,
I am still astonished that, after all the wear and tear I’ve put my body through since adulthood, I’m not only still here – I’m healthy. I’d call that a miracle in itself! LOL.
This past November, I turned 80 years young, a milestone I honestly never thought I would reach. I feel profoundly blessed and grateful to still be here, especially to have the privilege of watching my little granddaughter, Dani, grow for years to come.
For those of you who have followed my column over the past two years, it may come as no surprise that life found a way to give me something extraordinary. After all these years, I was shown immense appreciation for my career through a magical and unforgettable celebration.
An unexpected yet remarkable show was held in my honour at the Gilles-Vigneault Theatre to celebrate my 80th birthday, and it left me deeply moved.
That night was the most precious gift I have received since the birth of my son. There are no words that could ever express the depth of my gratitude to all who surrounded me with such love, and to everyone who worked so tirelessly to bring this event to life.
I was profoundly moved by the performances that graced the stage of the Gilles-Vigneault Theatre in Saint-Jérôme on the evening of November 18, 2025. Louise Portal, Guy Bélanger, Lulu Hughes, Steve Hill, Sylvie Desgroseillers, Nancy Fortin, Martin Deschamps, Karine, Marie-Ève and Caroline Riverin, Bruno Pelletier, Dan Georgesco, Ceeko, Breen Leboeuf, and Dan Bigras – each of you touched my heart in ways I will never forget. The presence of the 40 children from the Lafontaine Academy, under the artistic direction of the remarkable and gifted Maxime Charbonneau, added a magic that illuminated the entire theatre.
My heartfelt thanks go as well to the musical director, Christian Alary – who also graced us on the drums – along with Kepler Jean-Baptiste on keys, Hubert Tremblay on guitar, Samuel Léonard on bass, Marie-Josée Frigon on saxophone, and Jean-François Gagnon on trumpet. Your music carried the soul of the evening.
A very special thank-you goes to my longtime and cherished friend, Roch Saumure, for all he has so generously done for me throughout the years. Roch, your presence and your contribution to this unforgettable night are forever engraved in my memory.
And to “Alain Beaudry,” you are, to me, a true human angel. This show would not have existed without your unwavering perseverance and belief from the very beginning.
To my fans, and to every single person who played a part in creating this magical, unforgettable night: I am sending you all my love.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a happy, healthy New Year!!!!