Celine Dion is heartbroken following the deaths of her beloved husband René Angélil and brother Daniel Dion. The My Heart Will Go On singer was seen putting on a brave face as she prepared to travel to Montreal on Wednesday to say her final farewell to her husband of 21 years.
"Her heart is in pieces," a source close to the singer told People. "She's extremely heartbroken."
© Photo: Getty ImagesCeline Dion is "extremely heartbroken" following the deaths of her husband and brother
The 47-year-old was reportedly at home with their three children, René Charles, 14, and five-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy on the day that René tragically lost his battle with cancer, and the family have been together ever since.
Celine and her children boarded a private jet from Las Vegas to Montreal on Wednesday, with René's funeral due to be held at Notre-Dame Basilica on Friday. The 73-year-old reportedly arranged his own funeral in detail in a bid to ease Celine's burden, and requested the venue as it is where he tied the knot with "the great love of his life" in December 1994.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCeline's husband Rene will be laid to rest in Montreal on Friday
René was a highly respected figure in Canada, and as such his funeral will be televised on three networks, and flags will fly at high mast. A chapel of rest will also be open on Thursday, so members of the public can pay their last respects.
While it was speculated that Celine may perform a musical tribute to her husband, a representative for the singer has since denied the claims, but told TMZ one or two of her songs might be played during the service.
The Think Twice hit-maker has been grieving for her husband in private, but her management posted a touching tribute to René on Facebook on Saturday.
© Photo: RexThe couple on their wedding day in 1994
"He will be remembered as a gentle man, generous and kind, an unprecedented visionary, a modern Pygmalion, a Renaissance man. All who had the privilege of knowing him and of working closely with him, whether personally or professionally, salute a leader and a man of great intelligence and wisdom," it read.
It's been a tremendously traumatic time for Celine. She lost her brother Daniel to cancer just two days after René died. The 59-year-old had battled throat, brain and tongue cancer and passed away on Montreal surrounded by his family.
The brave singer has confirmed that she will resume her Las Vegas performances on 23 February.
