'Very Thin And Frail’ - Celine Dion Debated Extended Leave To Care For Ailing Husband, Says Pal

She has already cancelled her Las Vegas shows for an indefinite amount of time, but Celine Dion debated an extended leave when her husband, René Angélil, first underwent surgery in December to remove a cancerous tumor from his throat, friend Robin Leach revealed.

"René was making great progress and was out and about," Leach told PEOPLE magazine.

But the recovery process has been arduous for the singer’s husband, forcing Dion to re-evaluate the priorities in her life.

"Last time I saw him, he was very thin and frail," she added. "Céline had to take a step back, and her decision is a realization that you have to hold onto everything while you've got it."

While Dion takes time off to take care of her husband, the family remains “optimistic” about Angélil’s prognosis.

“They’re trying to stay positive,” an insider said.