Céline Dion’s Family Journey: A Heartwarming Look at Her Life as a Mom to Three Sons

Céline Dion’s

Céline Dion, the iconic voice behind timeless hits like My Heart Will Go On, may be a global superstar, but she holds her role as a mother to be her most cherished privilege. The beloved singer and her late husband, René Angélil, shared three sons: René-Charles, 24, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 14. Since Angélil’s passing in 2016 due to throat cancer, Dion and her children have leaned on each other, showcasing a bond filled with resilience and love.

In a 2007 interview with PEOPLE, Dion expressed that while music gave her fame, motherhood gave her true purpose. I’m not really a singer. My life is to be a mom, she shared. It is what I enjoy the most. It is my most amazing reward.

René-Charles Angélil: The Miracle Child

René-Charles, born on January 25, 2001, in Florida, was a “miracle child” for Dion and Angélil, arriving after in vitro fertilization treatments. From the start, René-Charles held a special place in Dion’s heart. Reflecting on his early years, she revealed her joy in sharing simple moments with him, like reading bedtime stories and playing with Play-Doh.

The singer’s decision to take up a residency in Las Vegas was largely influenced by her desire to provide stability for her family. “I am a full-time mom. That’s my priority. Then I go and sing a few songs at night,” she told PEOPLE.

As René-Charles grew, his interests leaned toward sports like hockey and golf. Dion proudly supported him, often cheering from the stands. After his father’s death, René-Charles honored him by delivering a touching eulogy, a moment Dion called “profoundly moving.”

Today, René-Charles is carving his own path in the music industry. In 2018, he released songs on SoundCloud that quickly climbed the R&B charts. Dion’s pride in her son was evident when she wrote,

I’m so proud of my son. My love for him is so strong, and it touches me deeply that one of his passions is also one of mine.

Nelson and Eddy Angélil: Double the Blessings

Twins Nelson and Eddy were born on October 23, 2010, after six rounds of IVF. Named after influential figures Nelson Mandela and producer Eddy Marnay, their names reflect the values of inspiration and strength that Dion and Angélil admired.

Even as infants, their distinct personalities shone through. Nelson seems to have a little stronger personality right now. He’s the tougher of the two, Dion shared shortly after their birth.

The twins were just 5 years old when their father passed away. To help them understand his death, Dion used the movie Up as a metaphor, explaining that their dad had “gone up” on balloons. This analogy became a comforting ritual, with the family sending messages to Angélil through balloons.

We have a little ritual where we say goodnight to him with a little picture, Dion shared. “Then the kids talk to him. And they write words, put them in balloons, and we send the balloons to the sky.

In 2020, when Nelson and Eddy turned 10, Dion celebrated with a heartfelt Instagram post. She wrote, You make me, your big brother, and your Dad, who is for sure watching over you, so very proud. Happy birthday my beautiful boys! We love you so very much.

Strength in Adversity

Dion’s sons have been her source of light and strength, especially as she battles stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological condition. In May 2023, she had to cancel her tour dates, but her children have stepped up to support her. The twins even run through drills with Dion and her physical therapist to ensure they know how to assist during an episode.

The idea of telling them and showing them was not to frighten them,she explained. It is for them to know, ‘I’m your mom, and it’s my responsibility. You’re old enough to understand I might need your help.’

Through life’s highs and lows, Dion’s unwavering dedication to her children remains at the heart of her story. Whether cheering at hockey games, guiding them through personal loss, or leaning on their love during her health challenges, she exemplifies what it means to be a devoted mother.

Her journey as a mom proves that, while music may touch the world, it is her family that fills her life with purpose and joy.