Celine Dion and Rene Angelil on their wedding day on December 17, 1994.Photo:PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty
PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty
Together 21 years,Céline Dionand her husbandRené Angélilwent through some trials and tribulations throughout their marriage, but through it all, the couple managed to stay close.Céline Dion married René Angélil on Dec. 17, 1994. Thetwo met when she auditioned for him at age 12and went on their first official date at 19; Dion admitted that she kept their relationship private initially because she was apprehensive about public opinion, but they later went public years after they were already engaged. “When I was at the age to be able to say to people [we were together] … It was like bang! Love! Love always wins,” she wrote in her memoir.Throughout their two decades of marriage together, the couple faced many obstacles, includingcancer and infertility, but their love remained strong. Theywelcomed sonsRené-Charles, 23 and twins Nelson and Eddy, 14, together before René died of throat cancer in 2016.Look back at Céline Dion and René Angelil’s happy marriage in photos.
Together 21 years,Céline Dionand her husbandRené Angélilwent through some trials and tribulations throughout their marriage, but through it all, the couple managed to stay close.
Céline Dion married René Angélil on Dec. 17, 1994. Thetwo met when she auditioned for him at age 12and went on their first official date at 19; Dion admitted that she kept their relationship private initially because she was apprehensive about public opinion, but they later went public years after they were already engaged. “When I was at the age to be able to say to people [we were together] … It was like bang! Love! Love always wins,” she wrote in her memoir.
Throughout their two decades of marriage together, the couple faced many obstacles, includingcancer and infertility, but their love remained strong. Theywelcomed sonsRené-Charles, 23 and twins Nelson and Eddy, 14, together before René died of throat cancer in 2016.
Look back at Céline Dion and René Angelil’s happy marriage in photos.
01of 20Céline Dion and Rene Angelil First MeetGettyAfter Céline Dion’s brother found manager René Angélil’s name on the back of French Canadian singer Ginette Reno’s record, he sent him a recording of his sister’s first original song, “Ce n’était qu’un rêve.” Hearing it prompted Angélil to invite Dion to audition for him in person — their first meeting.“While I was singing he started to cry,” Dion recalled to PEOPLE years later. “I knew then I had done a good job.”
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Céline Dion and Rene Angelil First Meet
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After Céline Dion’s brother found manager René Angélil’s name on the back of French Canadian singer Ginette Reno’s record, he sent him a recording of his sister’s first original song, “Ce n’était qu’un rêve.” Hearing it prompted Angélil to invite Dion to audition for him in person — their first meeting.
“While I was singing he started to cry,” Dion recalled to PEOPLE years later. “I knew then I had done a good job.”
02of 20Rene Angélil Bets on CélineGamma-Rapho/GettyAfter hearing her vocal chops in person, Angélil knew he wanted to turn Dion into a star. And he took drastic measures to ensure it would happen: He famously mortgaged his home to fund her first record.
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Rene Angélil Bets on Céline
Gamma-Rapho/Getty
After hearing her vocal chops in person, Angélil knew he wanted to turn Dion into a star. And he took drastic measures to ensure it would happen: He famously mortgaged his home to fund her first record.
03of 20Céline Dion Becomes a SuperstarGamma-Rapho/GettyAngélil’s belief in Dion’s vocals wasn’t unfounded: That first record,La Voix du bon Dieu, became a chart-topping hit in Québec and set the singer on her path toward stardom in her home province (though she was still relatively unknown in America). In 1987, when Dion was 19 years old, she and Angélil went on their first official date, though she later admitted that their relationship had turned romantic the year before.
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Céline Dion Becomes a Superstar
Angélil’s belief in Dion’s vocals wasn’t unfounded: That first record,La Voix du bon Dieu, became a chart-topping hit in Québec and set the singer on her path toward stardom in her home province (though she was still relatively unknown in America). In 1987, when Dion was 19 years old, she and Angélil went on their first official date, though she later admitted that their relationship had turned romantic the year before.
04of 20Céline Dion Breaks ThroughMargaret Norton/NBC/GettyWith the help of manager Angélil, Dion made her debut in the English-speaking market with the albumUnison.
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Céline Dion Breaks Through
Margaret Norton/NBC/Getty
With the help of manager Angélil, Dion made her debut in the English-speaking market with the albumUnison.
05of 20Céline Dion Goes WorldwideMark Baker/Sony Music Archive/GettyUnisonhad a 1990 release date, but it was 1991 that truly sent Dion to international stardom, when she lent her voice to theBeauty and the Beastsoundtrack, dueting with Peabo Bryson on the film’s title song. It was a big year for Dion and Angélil, too: Despite the fact their relationship was still a secret to the general public, the two became engaged.
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Céline Dion Goes Worldwide
Mark Baker/Sony Music Archive/Getty
Unisonhad a 1990 release date, but it was 1991 that truly sent Dion to international stardom, when she lent her voice to theBeauty and the Beastsoundtrack, dueting with Peabo Bryson on the film’s title song. It was a big year for Dion and Angélil, too: Despite the fact their relationship was still a secret to the general public, the two became engaged.
06of 20Céline Dion and René Angélil Go PublicDavid Fisher/REX_ShutterstockTwo years into their engagement, Dion and Angélil still hadn’t gone public with their relationship. “I was afraid of what people would think,” she told PEOPLE in 1994. But eventually, the desire to share her love for Angélil with the world triumphed: “When you’re in love, you want to scream it to the world,” she explained.
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Céline Dion and René Angélil Go Public
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Two years into their engagement, Dion and Angélil still hadn’t gone public with their relationship. “I was afraid of what people would think,” she told PEOPLE in 1994. But eventually, the desire to share her love for Angélil with the world triumphed: “When you’re in love, you want to scream it to the world,” she explained.
07of 20Céline Dion and René Angélil Get Hitched!Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press/APThe two married on Dec. 17, in an extravagant ceremony at Montréal’s Notre-Dame Basilica.
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Céline Dion and René Angélil Get Hitched!
Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press/AP
The two married on Dec. 17, in an extravagant ceremony at Montréal’s Notre-Dame Basilica.
08of 20Angélil Is Diagnosed with CancerKevin Mazur/WireImageIn 1998, Angélil was diagnosed with throat cancer. The news, coupled with a demanding few years career-wise, led Dion to take a hiatus to focus on her personal life and to care for her husband.
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Angélil Is Diagnosed with Cancer
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
In 1998, Angélil was diagnosed with throat cancer. The news, coupled with a demanding few years career-wise, led Dion to take a hiatus to focus on her personal life and to care for her husband.
09of 20Angélil Is Cancer FreeSTF/AFP/GettyAfter Angélil was declared cancer-free in 2000, the couple celebrated with a vow renewal in Vegas. Of her Arabian Nights-themed affair, Dion said: “It’s almost like a show, and we’re show business people.”
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Angélil Is Cancer Free
STF/AFP/Getty
After Angélil was declared cancer-free in 2000, the couple celebrated with a vow renewal in Vegas. Of her Arabian Nights-themed affair, Dion said: “It’s almost like a show, and we’re show business people.”
10of 20Céline and Angélil Become ParentsPierre Roussel/GettyAfter undergoing fertility treatments, Dion gave birth to son René Charles, the couple’s first child, on Jan. 25.
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Céline and Angélil Become Parents
Pierre Roussel/Getty
After undergoing fertility treatments, Dion gave birth to son René Charles, the couple’s first child, on Jan. 25.
11of 20Céline Dion Hits the RoadGeorge Bodnar/GettyEnding her multi-year break from music, Dion released a new album,A New Day Has Come. Soon after, she announced her residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The first leg of that residency lasted for five years, until 2007.
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Céline Dion Hits the Road
George Bodnar/Getty
Ending her multi-year break from music, Dion released a new album,A New Day Has Come. Soon after, she announced her residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The first leg of that residency lasted for five years, until 2007.
12of 20Céline Dion and René Angélil Welcome Twins!Brian Jones/AFP/GettyAfter undergoing multiple rounds of IVF, in May 2010, Dion and Angélil announced they were expecting twins. Nelson, named for South African President Nelson Mandela, and Eddy, named for Edd Marnay, a French songwriter who produced Dion’s first five albums, arrived on Oct. 23.
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Céline Dion and René Angélil Welcome Twins!
Brian Jones/AFP/Getty
After undergoing multiple rounds of IVF, in May 2010, Dion and Angélil announced they were expecting twins. Nelson, named for South African President Nelson Mandela, and Eddy, named for Edd Marnay, a French songwriter who produced Dion’s first five albums, arrived on Oct. 23.
13of 20Angélil’s Cancer Comes BackKevin Mazur/WireImageReturning to her dressing room after a rehearsal forThe Voice, Dion heard the worst news: Her husband had just learned his cancer was back. So in 2014, the singer put her career on hold to care for Angélil, who stepped down from his longtime post as her manager that June.
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Angélil’s Cancer Comes Back
Returning to her dressing room after a rehearsal forThe Voice, Dion heard the worst news: Her husband had just learned his cancer was back. So in 2014, the singer put her career on hold to care for Angélil, who stepped down from his longtime post as her manager that June.
14of 20Celine Dion Speaks About Caring for Her HusbandEthan Miller/GettyIn August 2015, the singer resumed her residency at Caesars Palace. Dion spoke of her husband’s illness and preparing for his death in an interview withUSA TODAY. “My biggest job is to tell my husband, we’re fine. I’ll take care of our kids. You’ll watch us from another spot,” she said. “I’ll say, ‘You’re scared? I understand. Talk to me about it’ … And René says to me, ‘I want to die in your arms.’ Okay, fine, I’ll be there, you’ll die in my arms.”
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Celine Dion Speaks About Caring for Her Husband
Ethan Miller/Getty
In August 2015, the singer resumed her residency at Caesars Palace. Dion spoke of her husband’s illness and preparing for his death in an interview withUSA TODAY. “My biggest job is to tell my husband, we’re fine. I’ll take care of our kids. You’ll watch us from another spot,” she said. “I’ll say, ‘You’re scared? I understand. Talk to me about it’ … And René says to me, ‘I want to die in your arms.’ Okay, fine, I’ll be there, you’ll die in my arms.”
15of 20René Angélil DiesCeline Dion and Rene Angelil.Franziska Krug/GettyFour months into her residency, René Angélildied on Jan. 14, 2016, just two days before what would have been his 74th birthday.“René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” a his rep said in a statement. “The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment.”
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René Angélil Dies
Celine Dion and Rene Angelil.Franziska Krug/Getty
Franziska Krug/Getty
Four months into her residency, René Angélildied on Jan. 14, 2016, just two days before what would have been his 74th birthday.
“René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” a his rep said in a statement. “The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment.”
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Celine Dion Returns to the Stage
Celine Dion performs during her emotional return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.Denise Truscello/WireImage
Denise Truscello/WireImage
A month after laying René to rest, Celine returned to the Colosseum and resumed her residency.
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Celine Dion Finds a Silver Lining
Celine Dion performs onstage during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards.Ethan Miller/Getty
Two days after the death of her husband, Celine alsolost her older brotherDaniel Dion who died of brain, throat and tongue cancer in Montreal. He was 59.
18of 20Celine Dion Goes OnCeline Dion and Rene Angelil.Gabe Ginsberg/WireImageThe singer revealed she found a way to keep René’s spirit present in her life.“I shake my husband’s hand and knock on wood with him every night before every show,” she said in aninterview with theDaily Telegraph‘s magazineStellarin 2018. “Even after he’s gone, I still talk to him.”She also revealed she made sure the seat he occupied behind the sound mixing desk remained empty at each show when she performed her residency at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace.“He taught me so much. He did a great job; what he had been giving to me all his life and all my life will always be with me,” Dion said.“He gave me his all. He mortgaged his house to pay for my first album. I guess before he left he wanted to make sure I was fine. I’mtrying to prove to him every day I’m fine. Our kids are growing, we feel strong. We’re good.”
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Celine Dion Goes On
Celine Dion and Rene Angelil.Gabe Ginsberg/WireImage
The singer revealed she found a way to keep René’s spirit present in her life.
“I shake my husband’s hand and knock on wood with him every night before every show,” she said in aninterview with theDaily Telegraph‘s magazineStellarin 2018. “Even after he’s gone, I still talk to him.”
She also revealed she made sure the seat he occupied behind the sound mixing desk remained empty at each show when she performed her residency at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace.
“He taught me so much. He did a great job; what he had been giving to me all his life and all my life will always be with me,” Dion said.
“He gave me his all. He mortgaged his house to pay for my first album. I guess before he left he wanted to make sure I was fine. I’mtrying to prove to him every day I’m fine. Our kids are growing, we feel strong. We’re good.”
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Céline Dion Remembers Her Husband
On the sixth anniversary of his death in 2022, Celineposted a heartwarming tributeto René on her Instagram, writing, “I would be lying if I said I’m fine, I think of you at least a hundred times, cause in the echo of my voice I hear your words just like you’re there… I miss you.”
20of 20Céline and René ForeverCeline Dion (R) and her husband Rene Angelil.Lester Cohen/WireImageEight years after his death, Angelil’s spirit is still very much present in the lives of Céline and their kids.“I’mstill married to René. He’s still my husband. Whenwe have to travel to my treatmentsto see my doctors, I always bring pictures [of him],” says Dion, referring to treatments of stiff person syndrome, which she was diagnosed with in 2022.“And we have pictures, of course, all over the place in the house.”
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Céline and René Forever
Celine Dion (R) and her husband Rene Angelil.Lester Cohen/WireImage
Eight years after his death, Angelil’s spirit is still very much present in the lives of Céline and their kids.
“I’mstill married to René. He’s still my husband. Whenwe have to travel to my treatmentsto see my doctors, I always bring pictures [of him],” says Dion, referring to treatments of stiff person syndrome, which she was diagnosed with in 2022.
“And we have pictures, of course, all over the place in the house.”
source: people.com
