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Celine Dion performing at the Macys Thanksgiving Parade in 2019© Getty Images

Celine Dion mourns monumental loss with rare personal statement and photo with late husband René Angélil

The "Falling Into You" singer is currently battling Stiff Person Syndrome away from the spotlight

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
March 4, 2024
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Celine Dion took to Instagram to pay tribute to former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who passed away on February 29 at the age of 84.

The Canadian songstress, 55, shared a rare personal statement mourning his loss, including a throwback photograph of herself and her late husband René Angélil, Mulroney, and his wife Mila.

Alongside the old photo, Celine wrote: "I am so sorry to hear of the loss of our friend, the beloved former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. My love and prayers go to you, Mila, and your whole family. Celine xx…"

View post on Instagram
 

Mulroney's daughter Caroline confirmed the news with a post on X that read: "On behalf of my mother and our family, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of my father, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada's 18th prime minister. He died peacefully, surrounded by family."

The "My Heart Will Go On" singer rose to superstardom in the Mulroney era, famously performing for then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana at the National Arts Centre in 1991 with Brian and Mila in attendance. And like Celine, Brian also hailed from Quebec – he was born in the small town of Baie-Comeau.

Mulroney served as the 18th Prime Minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993, serving as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party for a decade prior.

Many shared support for the singer and mourned the late politician's passing, while several others dedicated comments to supporting Celine's health battle.

The singer has been battling Stiff Person Syndrome for over a year, announcing to the world that she had canceled her upcoming concerts and tour as a result of the affliction.

MORE: Celine Dion thrills fans by singing in new video from Grammys amid Stiff Person Syndrome battle

While enduring persistent and painful muscle spasms, Celine is privately working on regaining her strength to return to the stage, making her first notable appearance in months at the 2024 Grammy Awards last month.

Brian Mulroney and wife Mila with the Prince and Princess of Wales in Ottawa in 1991
Brian Mulroney and wife Mila with the Prince and Princess of Wales in Ottawa in 1991

Days before her appearance, it was announced that her journey with her health would be captured in a new feature-length documentary by Amazon Prime Video titled I Am: Celine Dion, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor.

The documentary will look at the singer's past and present as she continues to battle the rare disease, while also providing a peek at her life at home recovering with the support of her family, and working on new music.

MORE: Celine Dion’s 13 siblings: all you need to know about the singer’s family

It also promises a dive into her couture touring wardrobe, time in the recording studio, and has been deemed an "emotional, energetic, and poetic love letter to music" in an official statement.

Brian Mulroney with family© Getty Images
The late Canadian PM passed away on February 29 at the age of 84

Celine shared a personal message with regards to bringing her story to the screen. "This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me.

MORE: All the tender moments between Celine Dion and the late René Angélil during 21-year marriage

"As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have [realized] how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans. During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis."

Celine Dion in a headshot to promote her documentary "I Am: Celine Dion"© Feeling Productions Inc
Celine's health battle will be documented in an upcoming Amazon Prime Video special

While a release date for the documentary has not yet been announced, it is believed to hit the streaming platform later this year.

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