In 1991, Céline Dion was just starting to become a huge, global star. She sang a beautiful duet for the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast. Far away, a massive music legend was listening. Prince heard her voice. He stopped right in his tracks. He knew he had to write a special melody just for her.
He wrote a stunning ballad called “With This Tear.” He arranged the music and played every single instrument on the tape himself. But he did not keep the song for his own album. He wanted to give it away.
Prince – With This Tear
The Perfect Match
Prince sent the special demo tape to Céline’s manager and husband, René Angélil. Even though Prince was a giant superstar, he sent a very polite, humble note. He asked if a man named Walter Afanasieff could produce the track.
It was pure fate. Céline was actually already working with Walter at that exact time! The stars lined up perfectly. Céline recorded the song for her big 1992 album. She loved the generous gift deeply. She even wrote a sweet message in her album notes. She called it one of the most beautiful songs she ever felt and thanked him for the massive honor.
Céline Dion – With This Tear (Official Audio)
A Voice from the Past
Fast forward to a very emotional time. In April 2026, the world marked the sad 10th anniversary of Prince’s passing. To honor his amazing life, his estate opened up his secret music vault. They finally released Prince’s original, raw 1991 version of “With This Tear” to the public.
It was a completely magical moment. The new music video started with Prince talking softly about his childhood dreams. Then, it showed beautiful archive photos of his entire life. Hearing his lonely, beautiful voice sing the song he gave away brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
A Bond That Never Broke
When Céline heard the new release, she was deeply moved. She went on Instagram to share her heavy, grateful heart with the world.
She told her fans, “With This Tear was a gift from Prince that I will always treasure. I have carried this song with me for so many years. To now hear his version, shared for the very first time, feels truly special.”
A real gift from the heart never faded away. Prince left this world way too soon. But his pure generosity tied these two amazing legends together forever. When someone gave you a piece of their soul, that beautiful music lived on for eternity.