Celine Dion Tearfully Dedicates Billboard Icon Award To Late Husband
Celine Dion tearfully accepted the Icon Award at this year's Billboard Music Awards, paying tribute to her husband, René Angélil, who passed away just four months ago.
The legendary singer was especially surprised when presenter Seal introduced her son, René-Charles, to deliver the award to his mother onstage.
"I'm sorry for crying," she said, taking hold of her 15-year-old's hand. "I want to be so strong in front of my family and my kids."
"Music has been my passion since almost I can remember," she continued to a cheering crowd. "So many people helped me get where I am today, most especially I want to thank the fans for traveling through music with me in good and bad times."
The 48-year-old later thanked her children and her mother, who she revealed had written her very first song.
Then, Dion dedicated the award to her late husband, honoring his legacy in a tearful tribute.
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"Most importantly, I want to thank my beloved husband who I know will continue to watch over me from up above," she cried before holding up her award and saying, "René, this one's for you. The show must go on."
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, the Canadian singer's husband passed away at 73 on January 14 after a "lengthy and courageous" battle with cancer, according to the family's statement at the time.