Celine Dion, at the age of 56, and her late husband René Angélil shared a remarkable 21-year marriage, marked by deep love and commitment. Their relationship, often described by friends as a “love story,” transcended a 26-year age gap, enduring until René’s death from cancer in 2016. Their journey together included welcoming three children and overcoming numerous challenges. Let’s delve into the details of their extraordinary love story.
How Did Celine Dion and René Angélil Meet?
The story of Celine and René began when the young singer was just 12 years old. René, then 38, became her manager after being moved to tears by her incredible voice. Celine recounted this emotional first meeting, saying, “While I was singing, he started to cry. I knew then I had done a good job.” Their professional relationship was close-knit, with René even mortgaging his home to fund her debut album, La voix du bon Dieu.
When Did Their Romantic Relationship Begin?
Celine and René’s relationship evolved from a professional partnership to a romantic one when Celine turned 19. They kept their romance a secret for several years, only revealing it publicly in the sleeve notes of Celine’s album, The Colour of My Love. Reflecting on their relationship, Celine shared, “I fell in love with him immediately. Not in the romantic way, I was 12 years old. I was in love with the way he treated everyone around me, including my whole family and myself.”
Where Did Celine and René Get Married?
The couple’s engagement was kept private for a couple of years before René proposed in 1991. They were married at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, René’s birthplace, in December 1994. The wedding was a grand affair, with Celine donning a striking silk dress featuring a 20-foot train adorned with lace and crystals, paired with a Swarovski crystal tiara. This was René’s third marriage, having previously been married to Denyse Duquette and Anne Renée.
How Did They Renew Their Vows?
Six years after their wedding, Celine and René renewed their vows in a lavish Orthodox ceremony at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Celine wore a beautiful golden dress for the occasion, which she described as “almost like a show, and we’re show business people.” This renewal was particularly poignant as René had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999, prompting Celine to take a two-year break from her career to support him.
What Challenges Did They Face?
René’s battle with cancer was a significant challenge in their marriage. Despite undergoing two surgeries and initially beating the disease in 2000, the cancer returned in 2013. In 2014, he was informed that the illness was terminal. René passed away on January 14, 2016, at the age of 73. His death was a profound loss for Celine, who shared, “I think I will probably grieve for the rest of my life. I miss him a lot.”
How Did Celine and René Handle Parenthood?
The couple had three children: René-Charles, and twin sons Nelson and Eddy. Their journey to parenthood was fraught with difficulties, requiring fertility treatments and surgeries. Celine described her first child as a “miracle child,” born in January 2001. The twins, born in 2010 after six IVF attempts, brought immense joy to the family. Celine has often expressed that being a mother is her most significant reward, saying, “My life is to be a mom. It is what I enjoy the most.”
What Was the Impact of René’s Death on Celine?
René’s passing left a lasting impact on Celine. She opened up about the emotional toll of watching her husband deteriorate, stating, “For me especially, and my children, to see the man of my life die a little bit more every day… When he left, it was kind of a relief for me that the man that I love, the only man that I kissed, the only man that I loved, was no longer suffering.”
How Is Celine Coping With Her Health Issues?
In addition to her personal loss, Celine has faced her health battles. She revealed her struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder causing muscle rigidity and spasms. This condition has significantly impacted her life, but Celine remains resilient, stating, “I barely could walk at one point, and I was missing very much living. My kids started to notice. I let them know, ‘You lost your dad, [but] mom has a condition and it’s different. I’m not going to die. It’s something that I’m going to learn to live with.'”
What Is Celine Dion’s Current Focus?
Today, Celine remains dedicated to her family and her legacy. She continues to honor René’s memory, sharing, “We live with him. He’s part of our lives every day.” Although she has not pursued another romantic relationship, Celine finds fulfillment in her children and her music. She also serves as a spokesperson for Stiff Person Syndrome, raising awareness about the condition.
What Is Celine Dion’s Net Worth?
Despite her challenges, Celine Dion’s career remains illustrious, with an estimated net worth of $800 million. She continues to inspire fans worldwide with her resilience, talent, and enduring love for her late husband, René Angélil.
