The singer Céline Dion commemorated the ninth anniversary of her husband René Angélil‘s passing on January 14, sharing a heartfelt message on social media. In her emotional post, she included a photograph with her three children, René-Charles, aged 23, and the twins Nelson and Eddy. René Angélil, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 73 after a battle with throat cancer, was remembered fondly by Dion. She wrote in her message, “René, we cannot believe that it has already been nine years since you left us. Not a single day goes by that we do not feel your presence. We honor and miss you every day, mon amour. You were my greatest support, my partner who always saw the best in me. We love you. —Céline xx…” The accompanying image depicted Dion smiling, dressed in a cream sweater and comfortable pants, reflecting a moment of family unity.
The post, filled with nostalgia, highlighted the bond they shared not only in life but also in his role as her main manager and the driving force behind her early career. Angélil mortgaged their home to finance Dion‘s debut album “Voix du Bon Dieu” in 1981, a project that turned out to be a success in Québec. The couple began their romantic relationship when Dion was 19 and Angélil was 45, although they decided to keep it a secret for several years to protect her budding career. “We kept it secret. I was living that secret love. When it came time to make it public, it was like an explosion: love. The win,” the singer recounted in an interview with People magazine. Their marriage took place in 1994 in a ceremony broadcast on Canadian television from the Basilica Notre-Dame in Montreal. The wedding was considered a media event, solidifying their story in front of millions of viewers.
Throughout their long life together, they shared professional successes and personal challenges, including health issues and difficulties conceiving children. Last December, Dion commemorated what would have been their 30th wedding anniversary by posting in black and white from their wedding, stating, “You continue to fill our hearts every day. Happy anniversary, mon amour.” On December 31, she took the opportunity to address her followers, expressing gratitude for the support she received over the past year. In her message shared on social media, she stated, “As I close another year, I want to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unconditional support.” She continued, “Your energy inspires me. I wish you a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Here’s to infinite possibilities. Take care and have a fabulous New Year!”
This marked a significant period in Dion‘s career as she resumed public activities following her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) in 2022. Her participation in the inaugural Paris Olympic Games and collaborations in events with designer Elie Saab reaffirmed her artistic relevance despite the challenges she faces. The upcoming year represents an opportunity for her to continue overcoming obstacles while preparing for new projects and potential musical releases.
