Celine Dion continued to mourn with her family, friends and fans at the funeral of her husband, René Angélil. He died last January 14 at the age of 73 after many years of battle with throat cancer.
According to Billboard, the funeral was held at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, the same church where Dion and Angélil got married back in December 1994. She sat silently while covering her face with a black veil during the funeral which was presided over by Montreal's archbishop.
Former Quebec premier Jean Charest, current premier Philippe Couillard, Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume and Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre were among those who visited the funeral along with almost 700 public visitors as reported by Press Telegraph. Many who attended Angélil's funeral arrived at the basilica as early as 6 a.m. even though it still had to be opened at 2 p.m.
According to People, Dion approached Angélil's casket with their children and placed flowers on top of the casket and made the sign of the cross. She was visibly emotional while wearing a black veil to cover her face. Although she did not speak during the funeral, her eldest son was able to give a heart-warming eulogy.
"Fifteen years is not a long time for a son to get to know his father ... [but] you left me with enough good memories of you to share with my younger brothers. As they grow older, without you being around, I'll make sure to pass on what I've learned from you," Angélil's 14-year-old son René-Charles said during his eulogy.
"You are a tough act to follow ... Dad, I promise you here that we're all going to live up to your standards." René-Charles finished.
Aside from losing René Angélil, Celine Dion also lost her brother Daniel to cancer only two days after her husband passed away. Thankfully, she has many friends, family members and fans to strengthen her. "The support we've received has been such a blessing," Dion told People.
