Behind Celine Dion’s meteoric rise to fame lies a love story more extraordinary than any of her power ballads. At just 12 years old, she handed a demo tape to a 38-year-old music manager; unaware he would become the man who shaped her career, won her heart and ultimately mortgaged his home to make her dreams come true. This is how their impossible love defied all odds.
This rare 1997 interview captures Celine at her most vulnerable, detailing how René Angélil (her future husband) first heard her sing through a kitchen-recorded demo. She reveals how he recognized her raw talent immediately, mortgaged his house to fund her career, and later transformed from mentor to soulmate; despite their 26-year age difference and industry skepticism.
Celine Dion Opens Up About René Angélil & Her Rise to Fame | 1997 Interview
Modern viewers are stunned by Celine’s candor about their unconventional bond. Comments overflow with admiration for how she defends their partnership: “He’s my everything… I don’t care what people say.” Many note how her voice softens when describing René’s early sacrifices; proving their connection transcended business to become one of music’s greatest love stories.
Their fairy tale faced its hardest test years later when René battled cancer. Watch Celine at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas where, just months after his passing, she transformed “The Show Must Go On” into a heart-wrenching tribute; proving love could outlast even death.
Celine Dion’s Tribute to René
That performance shows Celine channeling grief into art. Struggling to finish the song, she clutches René’s microphone stand while hitting impossible notes; a metaphor for leaning on his legacy. Critics called it “the most raw display of love ever seen on stage,” with fans noting she still credits him in every concert.
Celine’s social media remains a living tribute to René, blending throwback moments with current projects; from sharing their wedding video to posting his favorite recipes, she keeps their story alive for new fans; proving true partnership never ends, it just changes form.