The power of love. Celine Dion expressed her gratitude for her fans and their support via a statement on her website on Friday, January 29, a little less than a week after the funeral for her late husband, René Angelil.
"My family and I are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from so many people who have touched our lives during these past few days. We have felt your love for René, and your prayers and compassion have helped us during this most difficult time … more than you'll ever know. I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” her statement read. “I would also like to sincerely thank the Quebec Government for honoring René with National Funerals as well as the many individuals and organizations who came together to hold such a beautiful tribute in his name. We will never forget all of the kindness that you have bestowed upon us."
The Grammy-winning artist, 47, released the statement on behalf of her entire family, including the couple’s sons — René-Charles, 14, and Nick and Eddy, 5 — as well as Angelil’s children from a previous relationship, Patrick, Jean-Pierre and Anne-Marie.
Angelil died on January 14 at the age of 73 and was laid to rest on January 22 during a live-streamed funeral service held at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal — the same church where Dion and Angelil were married in 1994. Prior to the service, fans were able to mourn Angelil during a public wake held by Dion on January 21.
Just two days after Angelil’s death, Dion also lost her brother Daniel to cancer. Daniel, 59, was laid to rest on January 23 in Repentigny, Quebec.
According to the schedule on Caesars Palace’s website, Dion will return to her Las Vegas residency on February 23.
