Celine Dion: A look back at the singer's emotional year

January 15, 2016Jan 15, 2016, 6:37 AM GMT

Celine Dion knows the "Power of Love." The singer has had a rollercoaster of a year since taking a break from her Las Vegas residency to care for her husband René Angélil.

Her beloved spouse, who lost his several-year battle with cancer on January 14, 2016, was the one who nudged his wife back onto the stage where she belongs. From breathtaking performances to social media debuts, here is a look back at Celine's emotional year.

Amidst her husband's battle with cancer, Celine Dion joined Andrea Bocelli onstage at the Keep Memory Alive's 19th Power Of Love Gala in June. The singers sang their famous duet "The Prayer."

After a year hiatus from the stage, Celine made a triumphant return to her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace in August. The singer had postponed her residency indefinitely to care for her husband. "I didn't want to be here at first – I don't need it," she told reporters that night. "I love singing for people, but I have priorities. My three children and my husband wanted me to be here tonight."

Despite her family's circumstances, the singer went back into action. Celine posted a photo of herself rehearsing for "another series of concerts! #rehearsal @CaesarsPalace."

The Grammy winner made her Instagram debut at the end of October – and she even posted her very first selfie. She captioned the photo, "Hello Instagram! / Bonjour Instagram! #firstselfie."

In September, Celine paid an emotional tribute to her husband of 20 years. The singer performed The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face as home footage of her husband René and their three children (René-Charles, 14, and 5-year-old Eddy and Nelson) played in the background. She told audience members that night, "I hope that by now you have got the message that tonight's show is very, very personal to me."

The working mum took time out of her busy schedule to take her twins Eddy and Nelson to the happiest place on earth. The singer and her young sons met up with Mickey Mouse back in October in honour of their 5th birthday.

The singer, who is of French-Canadian descent, delivered a tear-evoking performance of Edith Piaf's Hymne à l'Amour at the 2015 American Music Awards in tribute to the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.

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