Celine Dion, with a net worth of $800 million, has lived a life filled with incredible highs and challenging lows. At the heart of her journey is René Angélil, her mentor, manager, and most importantly, her husband. Their love story, spanning decades, is both inspiring and heartwarming. As the release of her documentary “I Am: Celine Dion” approaches on June 25 on Prime Video, let’s take a closer look at their journey together.
How Did Celine Dion and René Angélil Meet?
Celine Dion first met René Angélil when she was just 12 years old, and he was 38. Dion’s family played a crucial role in this meeting. Her mother, Thérèse Dion, and brother Jacques Dion co-wrote a song with her called “Ce n’était qu’un rêve.” Another brother, Michel, sent a demo tape to Angélil, a well-known manager and producer. Impressed by her voice, Angélil invited her to audition. Dion recalls how he started crying during her performance, and she knew she had made a significant impact.
How Did Angélil Launch Dion’s Singing Career?
In 1981, René Angélil became Dion’s agent, manager, and producer. To help launch her career, he even mortgaged his home. This risky move paid off as Dion soon became a singing sensation. Despite his professional commitment, Angélil’s personal life was complicated. He was married to his second wife, Anne Renée, at the time, and it wasn’t until 1985 that he officially divorced.
When Did Their Romance Begin?
The professional relationship between Dion and Angélil gradually turned into something more. In early 1988, while in Dublin for the Eurovision Song Contest, which Dion won, their relationship deepened. Angélil recalled during a 1999 interview that they always kissed on the cheek goodnight, but one night he kissed her on the lips. Dion admitted that she had been in love with him for a long time before that moment.
Why Did They Keep Their Engagement a Secret?
Dion and Angélil got engaged in 1991 but kept their relationship private. It wasn’t until 1993 that Dion publicly acknowledged their engagement in the liner notes of her album “The Colour of My Love.” She revealed their engagement at the album’s launch party, explaining that their love had grown stronger than their dreams for her career.
What Was Their Wedding Like?
On December 17, 1994, Dion and Angélil were married at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal. Dion’s bridal look was unforgettable, featuring a headpiece adorned with 2,000 Swarovski crystals. However, it was so heavy that it left her with a cut and a lump on her forehead. Despite this, the ceremony was a grand celebration of their love.
How Did They Face Health Challenges Together?
In 1999, Angélil was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent surgeries and radiation, and Dion put her career on hold to be by his side. In 2000, after his cancer went into remission, they renewed their vows in a Las Vegas ceremony. However, his battle with cancer returned in 2013, leading Dion to take another break from her career in 2014 to support him.
How Did They Build Their Family?
Dion and Angélil welcomed their first child, René-Charles, on January 25, 2001. For Dion, motherhood was her greatest joy. After suffering a miscarriage and undergoing multiple rounds of IVF, she gave birth to fraternal twins, Eddy and Nelson, on October 23, 2010. Dion has always prioritized her family, considering it her most significant reward.
How Did Dion Cope With Angélil’s Death?
René Angélil passed away on January 14, 2016, after a long battle with cancer. Just two days later, Dion’s brother Daniel also died of cancer. Dion has often said that their hit song “My Heart Will Go On” took on a new meaning after his death, as she now sings it for him.
What Health Challenges Does Dion Face Today?
Today, Celine Dion faces her own health challenges with stiff-person syndrome, a rare disorder causing muscle stiffness. This condition has affected her ability to sing, leading to the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency in 2021 and her recent Courage World Tour. Despite these challenges, Dion remains determined and passionate about her dreams and music.
Celine Dion’s life is a testament to her resilience and strength. At 56 years old, she continues to inspire millions with her music and her story. As we anticipate the release of her documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” we are reminded of the incredible journey she has shared with René Angélil, filled with love, triumph, and unwavering support.