Céline Dion husband René Angélil: Céline Dion took to Instagram to honor her late husband and longtime manager René Angélil on the ninth anniversary of his passing. Sharing a poignant photograph with their three sons—René-Charles, Eddy, and Nelson—Dion expressed her enduring love and grief.
“René, we can’t believe you’ve been gone nine years already,” she wrote. “Not a day goes by that we don’t feel your presence. You were my greatest champion, my partner, and the one who always saw the best in me. I honor you and you are forever missed, mon amour. We love you.”
Angélil, who passed away from throat cancer on January 14, 2016, at the age of 73, was a monumental figure in Dion’s life and career.
Céline Dion husband René Angélil passed away at 73
Dion met Angélil when she was only 12 years old, auditioning for him with a performance that moved him to tears. Their professional relationship blossomed into romance when Dion was 19, and they married in a grand ceremony at Montréal’s Notre-Dame Basilica in 1994. Over the years, Angélil not only managed her career but also provided unwavering personal support.
His battle with cancer began in 1998, but he experienced a decade-long remission, even appearing in Simple Plan’s 2008 “Save You” video, a tribute to cancer survivors. Despite his eventual passing, Dion has often remarked on how Angélil’s foresight and strength prepared her for life without him.
Facing Her Own Health Battles
Since 2022, Dion has faced significant challenges of her own after being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. The condition has halted her performing career and requires rigorous daily therapy.
“I haven’t beat the disease, as it’s still within me and always will be,” Dion shared in a 2023 Vogue France interview. “I hope that we’ll find a miracle… but for now, I have to learn to live with it.”
Despite her struggles, Dion remains determined to push forward. She undergoes intensive physical and vocal therapy five days a week and maintains hope for future breakthroughs.
A Triumphant Moment Amidst Adversity
In a shining moment last summer, Dion delivered a breathtaking performance of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à L’amour” at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Standing beneath the illuminated Olympic rings, she wowed the audience, reminding the world of her unparalleled talent and resilience.
Carrying René’s Legacy Forward
Céline Dion’s tribute to René Angélil underscores the profound impact he had on her life and career. Even in his absence, his legacy lives on through her music, their children, and her enduring determination to overcome life’s challenges. Dion’s words and actions continue to inspire millions, proving that love and strength can endure even the most difficult trials.
