CELINE DION
THE POP ICON KEEPS HER LATE HUSBAND’S MEMORY ALIVE FOR HER FAMILY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
How the songstress is keeping her late husband René Angélil’s memory alive for her kids this holiday season.
High up in Montana’s Rocky Mountains lies the hidden retreat where Celine Dion and her family will vacation over the Christmas holidays during a break from her show at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace. The Canadian chanteuse and her three sons plan to ski and sip hot chocolate while making new memories and sharing old ones. “This trip to Montana is so important to Celine,” confides a friend. “It’s a family tradition.”
Since the cancer death of her beloved husband, René Angélil, in 2016, Celine, 49, has worked hard to honor his spirit with their sons, RenéCharles, 16, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 7. “Celine still feels René’s presence in Montana,” explains the friend about the star’s escape to the exclusive Yellowstone Club. “René loved going there. He loved skiing with them, relaxing and spending Christmas together as a family. She wants the boys to maintain that connection to their father. This was his happy place.”
In Montana, Celine will be joined by other members of her extended family, including her sister and René’s three adult children from his previous marriages. The group will spend their days on the slopes or relaxing around the two estates Celine has rented. In the evening, they’ll come together for festive dinners prepared by a private chef followed by long nights of conversation and music around the fireplace. “Last year when Celine returned for the first time since René died, she said she could feel him watching over her and the boys,” says the friend.
Though René is much missed, Celine is determined to maintain an upbeat spirit. She’s worked hard with her boys – especially the twins – to help them remember their father with joy instead of tears. “When she talks about René in front of the children, it is always with a smile,” says the friend. “Of course, Celine has moments where she cries to other adults, but you would never know it around the boys.”
With their mother’s love and guidance, her children have been resilient. René-Charles plays youth hockey with Las Vegas’ Jr. Golden Knights, while the twins have become adept skiers. Celine has been getting on with her life, too. “After René’s death, everyone worried about who would step in to manage Celine, but she took over that role herself and has done an amazing job,” reveals an insider. While Celine remains optimistic about 2018, confidants say that finding new love is not among her resolutions. “I don’t think dating is a priority for her,” says the insider. “When she’s not working, she’s focused on being the best mom she can be to those kids.” — Louise A. Barile,
with reporting by Spencer Lubitz