Singer Céline Dion leaves little under the carpet when it comes to letting fans in on her life’s challenges and her journey through life has been an open book.
Entertainment icon Céline Dion has spent over four decades in the spotlight, releasing groundbreaking hits that cemented her name in the book of fame. Yet, her ride through life has not been devoid of ups and downs.
From growing up as one of fourteen children to struggling to have kids of her own and eventually losing her husband to a devastating ailment, the “I’m Alive” singer has experienced it all.
Thankfully, the star never shies away from sharing details about her life, which has played out in public eyes since her foray into fame.
Dion’s Journey To Stardom
Céline Dion was born in March 1968 as the youngest child of French-Canadian couple Theresa and Adhemar Dion. Like the rest of the family, the star developed a love for singing at a young age and had the voice to go with it.
When she was only twelve, she made her professional debut, collaborating with her mom and older brother, Jacques to compose her first song, “Ce n’etait qu’un reve.”
In the years that followed, she released more tracks and albums, eventually releasing her first English album in the 90s, which skyrocketed her to global fame.
Two years later, Céline Dion’s position in the music scenes became undisputed when she recorded the theme song for “Beauty and the Beast.”
The song earned her a Grammy and an Academy Award, also hitting No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100. She has since released hits like “I’m Alive,” “Unison,” “The Last To Know,” “Where Does My Heart Beat Now,” “The Color Of My Love,” and “Falling Into You,” among others.
“The Color Of My Love”
While Dion’s swift rise to fame came mostly through her effort and her network of supportive family, she also had help from her manager and future husband René Angélil.
The duo met when the songstress was only twelve and working on her first album, “La Voix du Bon Dieu.”
The album caught the attention of the then 38-year-old producer, who believed in her so much that he mortgaged his home to finance her work. The two maintained a working relationship in the years that followed, with Angélil serving as her manager.
Little did they know fate had other plans in store for them. As the songstress grew older, she began developing feelings for the producer, who reciprocated her affection.
Then in 1993, when she was only twenty-five, the star confessed her feelings for her manager publicly by declaring him “the color of her love,” in the dedication section of her English album of the same title.
United In Marital Bliss
Contrary to Dion’s fears that her fans would condemn her open love confession for a much older man, they in fact supported her, encouraging the duo to pursue a relationship.
Dion and Angélil made their relationship public thereafter, proving themselves as the ultimate sweethearts. Before that, their romance, which was already five years strong, was known only to family and close friends.
Notably, the icon’s mother frowned upon the budding relationship at first due to the 26 years age gap between the pair. However, she soon understood that her daughter’s love and happiness were all that mattered.
The producer popped the big question in 1993. A year later, the twosome recited their wedding vows at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec in December 1994.
Dion’s Fertility Struggles
Angélil and Dion spent years trying to conceive naturally to no avail. It soon dawned on the couple that something was wrong.
Five years into their marriage, the star sought medical help, undergoing two operations to increase her chances of conceiving in May 2000. Following the surgeries, she turned to IVF, eventually conceiving.
January 2001 ushered in a new era for the lovebirds who began the year with the birth of their first son, René-Charles. Dion openly expressed gratitude to her specialist for giving her the priceless gift of motherhood after six years of trying.
But that was hardly the end of their struggles. Being a mom naturally made her eager to give her son younger siblings and experience the joy all over again. Hence, she sought IVF again to welcome more kids.
After six rounds of the procedure, Dion became pregnant, welcoming her twin boys Eddy and Nelson in October 2010.
Widowed Too Soon
2016 was a particularly sad year for the “Courage” crooner who experienced two losses within two days.
On January 14, 2016, Céline Dion lost her husband, René Angélil, following a daunting battle with throat cancer. He died of a heart attack related to the condition at the age of 63.
Prior to his death, the father of three struggled daily to beat his condition. Dion once admitted in an interview that her husband endured three years of agony in an effort to stay alive.
She explained how he had no taste of food or water through those grueling years, and only ate through a tube. All the while, the mom of three stayed by his side, helping him every way she could and wishing for him to live in peace.
She described his death as quick, with no feeling of discomfort. Watching him leave, all she thought at that moment was that he was finally liberated from his pain.
Two days after saying goodbye to her husband of 21 years, Dion suffered the loss of her brother Daniel, who also died of cancer.
The icon admitted she would probably spend the rest of her life grieving. When asked if she saw love again in her future, the star revealed she had no idea, as she never thought of love or relationship again after Angélil’s death.
Notwithstanding, she remained eternally grateful for everything he gifted her, including their three beautiful kids, decades worth of happiness, and a successful career.
Céline Dion’s Weight Loss
Dion’s weight loss has been subject to debate in recent years, with several speculations surrounding her. While many believe the 53-year-old was experiencing an eating disorder, others have attributed her dramatic weight loss to the loss of her husband in 2016.
Céline Dion has since debunked all speculations, reassuring fans she was doing just fine and had no health challenge. In a 2019 interview, she attributed her weight loss to her new love for dancing.
The entertainer explained that she adopted ballet dancing as a hobby, and has since committed to practicing it four times a week. Notably, the accompanying movement comes with weight loss. Hence, looking thinner was a visible sign of how hard she worked.
Notwithstanding what people thought, the icon felt confident, beautiful, feminine, stronger, and more grounded in her body. Addressing critics, she said:
“If I like it, I don’t want to talk about it. Don’t bother. Don’t take a picture. If you like it, I’ll be there. If you don’t, leave me alone.”
Not like it’s any easier to leave the world-renowned songstress to her devices, especially as the world anticipates the launch of her documentary announced in September 2021, which promises to show a never-before-seen part of the singer.
