Celine Dion last goodbyes to husband René Angélil at Montreal funeral
Celine Dion last goodbyes to husband René Angélil.
Dion, honored her longtime manager and husband of 21 years at funeral in Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica who was broadcast live.
Dion step down with three sons, “René-Charles, 14, and 5-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy” walked alongside their widowed mother as she gripped their hands walking into the church.
Her face was covered with black veil as she marched toward her husband’s casket with her children, looking solemn as she held on to lilies of the valley, which were also fastened to the ends of every pew.
The heartbraking was when she reached her husband’s casket, placed the flowers on top of the casket, and her oldest son Patrick spoke first in French, followed by René-Charles’ brief remarks in English.
“Fifteen years is not a long time for a son to get to know his father … but you left me with enough good memories of you to share with my younger brothers. As they grow older, without you being around, I’ll make sure to pass on what I’ve learned from you,” he said.
“You are a tough act to follow … Dad, I promise you here that we’re all going to live up to your standards,” René-Charles finished before leaving the altar and embracing his mother.
The full Catholic funeral included communion, just before the funeral Mass concluded, Dion and René-Charles held tight to one another as they went up to sign the register. Dion then received a small pillow with rings on it, which she removed and placed on her fingers.
Tears filled her eyes as she processed out, a French version of her singing “For You to Love Me Again” filling the basilica. Walking alongside the casket with other family members, she offered small smiles and nods to the mourners who clapped as the service ended, many also crying.
Once outside, the family stood on the church steps as darkness fell, a bell chiming as the casket was placed inside an awaiting hearse.
Before the service, fans and mourners flocked to the area in a crowd that one veteran local reporter said surpassed the throngs who gathered for a glimpse of the couple’s 1994 wedding.
The basilica’s doors opened at 2 p.m. as mourners began filing in, while fans and locals lined nearby streets in 27-degree weather, standing behind barricades to watch arrivals down the block and across the street, which was closed to regular traffic.
R.I.P.
