Celine Dion's husband, manager, and mentor has passed away after a battle with throat cancer. He was first diagnosed back in 2013. One of his representatives released the following statement to People magazine:
"Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning as his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer. The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time."
Rene had six children; three from a previous relationship, and three with Celine - a 14-year-old son, also called Rene, and five-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson.
Speaking of her husband's illness when he was diagnosed, Celine was philosophical, saying: "Life is not always perfect. You have to deal with it. Whatever life imposes - sickness, or whatever, you don’t have a choice. This is life, this is nature."
Since news broke of his passing, celebrities have been paying tribute on twitter.
Rene spoke softly but carried monumental respect. Some of my first moments in this biz are because of him. Love to Celine & their children.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) January 14, 2016
My heart breaks for @CelineDion tonight. My thoughts are with the family. âÂÂÂÂÂ?¤ï¸ÂÂÂÂÂ?âÂÂÂÂÂ?¤ï¸ÂÂÂÂÂ?âÂÂÂÂÂ?¤ï¸ÂÂÂÂÂ?
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) January 14, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to my friend @celinedion on the passing of her husband René Angélil.A dear man & great father: https://t.co/uz3ENtwOfd
— Larry King (@kingsthings) January 14, 2016
My heart breaks for LV "neighbor" & friend @CelineDion. Extremely saddened 2 hear about Rene's passing. #ReneAngelil pic.twitter.com/uptcrSirSV
— Donny Osmond (@donnyosmond) January 14, 2016
Wow! We love you so much @celinedion! Prayers to you and your family! https://t.co/zFrI8p6u6W
— Michelle Williams (@RealMichelleW) January 14, 2016
My heart and so many prayers go out to the sweet @celinedion She has the biggest heart that I'm sure is broken R.I.P. Rene' #RIPRene
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) January 14, 2016
The wolrd lost three extremely inspirational men this week... Alan, Rene Angelil, David you will be missed. ðŸ'” #rip pic.twitter.com/TXuuAdJbYI
— Frankie James Grande (@FrankieJGrande) January 14, 2016