On Thursday Celine Dion held a memorial service for her late husband Rene Angelil who passed away on 14 January after a lengthy battle with cancer, aged 73. The service was held in Montreal, Canada at Notre Dame Basilica church and was broadcast globally.
Rene Angelil and Celine Dion arrive at 83rd Annual Academy Awards in 2011. (Courtesy: John Shearer/Getty Images)
The service began at 2pm and continued well into the night. Mr Angelil was dressed in a suit and in an open casket as close family and friends and fans filed in and give their last goodbyes. Dion, who was only supposed to stay thirty minutes, remained at the service for hours greeting fans. She was seen approaching the casket where she a made a crucifix gesture before gazing at her husband and placing a hand on his cheek.
Fans outside Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal. (Courtesy: Metro UK)
The archbishop of Montreal presided over them at the funeral, while the couple’s 17 year old son Rene-Charles gave a eulogy.
Angelil was Celine Dion’s manager but retired in 2014 after thirty years. He is survived by their oldest son, Rene-Charles, and twin boys Eddy and Nelson, 5. Mr Angelil also has three older children from a previous marriage.
