In early 2016, Celine Dion lost her husband of over 20 years, René Angélil, following a battle with throat cancer. René, who had managed Celine from the time she was just a young teenager, shared three children with the iconic singer. Before his passing, René had dealt with three bouts of cancer, ultimately passing away surrounded by friends and family at home.

“Losing my husband, for my kids to lose their father, it was quite something,” Celine said on the Today show. “I feel like René has given me so much through the years and still today. I see my kids. I look at them — we live with him. We still live with him. He’s part of our lives every day, so I have to say that I feel very, very strong.”

René had battled cancer three times throughout his life, and his health struggles were a constant challenge for the couple in the years leading up to his death. Despite his deteriorating health, Celine remained dedicated to both her family and her career. René passed away in January 2016, surrounded by loved ones in their home, which was a heartbreaking moment for Celine, who had shared a deep, unbreakable bond with him. The pain of losing her husband was compounded by the fact that her children also had to navigate the loss of their father, making it even more difficult to find solace in the wake of this tragedy.

In a candid interview with the Today show, Celine shared the emotional impact of her loss, particularly on her children. “Losing my husband, for my kids to lose their father, it was quite something,” she said, her voice filled with both grief and strength. While the pain of the loss was immense, Celine found strength in the legacy René left behind. She spoke of how his memory lives on through their children and the love that still binds their family together. Her children, she revealed, help her continue to feel his presence every day, as they reflect so much of him in their personalities and actions.