Celine Dion’s Traumatic Life – What You Didn’t Know
She Had Problems Conceiving
Amidst concerts and tours, Celine took a well-deserved break from her career in 2000 for her family. Celine went through two in-vitro fertilization procedures to boost the chance of conception.
She Had Problems Conceiving
They decided to go with this route after their numerous unsuccessful attempts with her husband. Finally, Celine was able to give birth to her first child named Rene-Charles Dion Angelil in 2001.
She Almost Died
Celine was only 5 years old when she almost died.
She Almost Died
A truck hit her and she would be in comatose for a week. Luckily, she recovered totally from the fractured skull she suffered from the accident.
She Hated My Heart Will Go On
We were all captivated by the song “My Heart Will Go On” when it first started playing in Titanic. But did you know that Celine Dion had doubts about this song? I did another song for a movie before.
She Hated My Heart Will Go On
She believed it would not get famous and will even affect her singing career negatively. Celine said in an interview that she disliked the song: “I didn’t really like the song, at first.
They Called Her A Traitor
Another Celine Dion chart-topper song was featured in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”. She won her first Grammy from this performance!
They Called Her A Traitor
Even with the success, the song caused an enormous backlash from her Quebecois fans. Because of this, Celine declined the English Artist of the Year award at Felix Awards to show that she took pride in being French-Canadian.
Celine Wasn’t Planned
Many don’t know that Celine is the youngest of 14 children in a family that was financially unstable. Apparently, destiny had other plans.
Celine Wasn’t Planned
Her mother didn’t plan on having any more kids after giving birth for the 13th time. When Celine was still a baby, she actually had to sleep in a cabinet drawer because there were no more beds available!
Her Husband Put His Foot Down
Rene was instrumental in recording Celine’s “My Heart Will Go On”. He convinced Celine that this song will be a big hit. In an interview with Jonathan Ross, she recalled, “[Angélil] said, ‘Let’s just do a demo.
Her Husband Put His Foot Down
Let’s give it a try and we’ll see after.’ The demo is actually the real recording. I never sang the song again.” The rest was history and the song from 1997 film Titanic won several awards. This song will forever be Celine’s trademark song.
A Shark When It Comes To Business
Therese Tanguay Dion, Celine’s mother, is a renowned chef in Quebec. Now we know where Celine’s passion and skills in cooking came from!
A Shark When It Comes To Business
Celine herself established her first restaurant in Quebec in 1990. Just like her songs, it was a big hit. After much success, she decided to expand Nickels and opened other locations throughout Canada.
Suing For Millions For Spreading Lies
The 1990’s was a very stressful decade for Celine. She released an astounding 13 albums and received the bad news about Rene’s health. During this difficult period, she realized that she needed to take a break for herself and her family.
Suing Millions For Spreading Lies
During her hiatus, a magazine called National Enquirer published a story about Celine having twins. As a consequence, Celine took legal action against the magazine and asked for $20 million. The magazine quickly expressed and donated money to American Cancer Society.
Doctor Dion
Celine Dion has many awards to her name including the highest honor her province can give, The National Order of Quebec. She was also given stars in both the Hollywood and Canadian Walks of Fame.
Doctor Dion
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, she received an honorary doctorate from the Laval University. She dedicated this award to her husband Rene and called it “a very great honor for a little girl from Charlemagne.
She Had No Other Choice
A famous French artist named Hugues Aufray released a song entitled “Céline” two years before her birth.
She Had No Other Choice
On her brother’s wedding, 5-year-old Celine performed the song she was named after. This performance was the moment when everyone noticed her extraordinary talent. While she was from a family of musicians, it was clear that she had potential.
Discovered In The Weirdest Way
Celine’s mother and brother Jacques composed songs for her because they knew Celine had the makings of a great singer.
Discovered In The Weirdest Way
Her mother did everything she could so Celine’s talent will not go to waste. Fortunately, her family’s hard work paid off when they were able to catch the attention of Rene Angelil.
Her Mom Had To Interfere
Celine’s mother first sent a demo to Rene with a note saying, “This is a 12-year-old with a fantastic voice. Please listen to her. We want her to be like Ginette Reno.
Her Mom Had To Interfere
” Rene didn’t reply right away. In fact, it was only with the persuasion of Celine’s brother that the producer decided to give it a shot. Once Rene heard Celine’s voice, he immediately contacted her to audition for him.
Her Audition Was Far From Normal
Rene was excited to meet Celine personally after hearing the demo. Now sing as though you were in front of a sellout audience.
Her Audition Was Far From Normal
When Celine arrived at his office, he gave her a false mic and said, “Here’s your microphone.” Celine then went for it and Rene was stunned by her performance.
Younger Than Her Own Stepson
At the time, Rene Angelil was already twice married and twice divorced. From his first marriage, he had a son called Patrick Angelil.
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Younger Than Her Own Stepson
Rene Burst Into Tears
Celine recalled just how emotional Rene became during her audition. “While I was singing, he (Rene) started to cry,” she said. “I knew then I had done a good job.
Rene Burst Into Tears
” At that moment, Rene recruited her and he already knew that she will become a big star. Rene already had plans on how to accomplish that and he was ready to face any obstacle to get her to the top.
High Stakes Gambler
Rene took a big personal risk on Celine. He got a loan on his house to obtain enough budget to release Celine’s first album!
High Stakes Gambler
It sounds crazy, but it appears that he knew what he was doing. All their sacrifices paid off as her song went number one in Canada. Even though he was a gambler, this was probably the biggest risk Rene ever took.
The Pope Loved Her
Celine was very pleased to be singing for him and the Pope likewise enjoyed her performance.
The Pope Loved Her
When Pope John II went to Quebec in 1984, Celine sang the national anthem in front of him and thousands of fans in Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
She Demanded Time To Grow Up
Rene actually told Celine to take a break even when she was at the beginning of her career. Despite the risk, she took 18 months away from the limelight.
She Demanded Time To Grow Up
It was a huge risk to take at that time since she was still in the middle of establishing her name. Celine thinks her maturity flourished while taking this break.
Learning English And Going Global
Contrary to what everyone thought, it turned out to be a very beneficial move for her career. Her pronunciation when singing English also improved.
Learning English And Going Global
When Celine returned to the music scene, fans noticed Dion’s evolution into a more confident lady. Her comeback album “Incognito”, ended up selling over half a million copies.
America’s Sweetheart Was Born
In 1990, Dion made massive strides in her career by launching her first English album, “Unison”. While enjoying this tremendous success, something took her by surprise.
America’s Sweetheart Was Born
The career move pushed her into American stardom and she became famous throughout the world. The songs in the album were hits, especially “Where Does My Heart Beat Now” which went on to become a top 10 hit.
Almost Losing Her Voice Forever
Celine’s voice vanished and she couldn’t sing as she was preparing for the tour! She was suffering from both exhaustion and laryngitis.
Almost Losing Her Voice Forever
She initially had zero plans to cancel the tour, but her doctors instructed her not to continue as she would damage her vocal cords even more.
Revealing Her Big Secret
There were many speculations about her relationship with Rene, but neither of the two confirmed it right away.
Revealing Her Big Secret
Just before the launch of her album called “The Colour of My Love”, Celine finally revealed her romance with Rene.
Fearing The Public
It was a May-December love affair: Celine was 19 years old and 26 younger than Rene.
Fearing The Public
They were aware that people would criticize their relationship due to the big age gap. They faced all the criticism head-on and they eventually got married.
She’s A Fantastic Secret Keeper
Before disclosing the secret, they were able to keep it to themselves for five years.
She’s A Fantastic Secret Keeper
It was actually Celine who wanted to announce it regardless of the public reception. “When you’re in love, you want to scream it to the world,” she said.
Going Overboard
Celine and Rene’s wedding was televised live.
Going Overboard
They tied the knot in Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica on December 17, 1994. It was the equivalent of a Royal Wedding in Canada, considering the number of people who wanted to watch it.
Bridezilla Or Royal Princess?
Celine’s wedding dress was the talk of the town even after the wedding ceremonial. It was designed by fashion designer couple Mirella and Steve Gentile.
Bridezilla Or Royal Princess@
The piece actually took them over 1000 hours to finish! The gown was twenty-foot long and came with a twenty-pound tiara that succeeded in making Celine look like a real princess.
Pricey Homes And Multiple Investments
The power couple bought a $72 million mansion in Florida.
Pricey Homes And Multiple Investments
Why is it so expensive? Well, for one thing, it has a golf course, three pools, and a water park.
He Was Her Everything
After her sensational success with Titanic, Celine started her “Let’s Talk About Love” world tour. This was the same time that Rene was diagnosed with cancer.
He Was Her Everything
Celine received the heartbreaking news while performing. She then decided to perform a tribute song for her husband. On January 14, 2016, Rene passed away after fighting the disease.
Her Children’s Names Were Chosen Carefully
The couple was actually blessed with twins later on. Eddy and Nelson were born on October 23, 2010.
Her Children’s Names Were Chosen Carefully
Nelson was named after Nelson Mandela. On the other hand, Eddy’s name derived from the producer of Celine’s first five albums, Eddy Marnary.
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Dreaming Of Changing The World
Celine Dion is also active when it comes to charity work. She also donated $1 million dollars for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Dreaming Of Changing The World
When the terrifying tsunami hit Asia, she organized an event that was able to raise $1 million for the victims. She was not afraid to let the whole world know about the US government’s inefficiency.
Her Secret Dad
Celine’s father also played an important role in her success. Her father, Adhemar Dion, died in 2001.
Her Secret Dad
Celine said, “My dad was and is still my number one fan since I was a very little girl. I know that my dad would want me to be here tonight on stage with everyone I love, doing what we love”.
Her Son is Too Young
He was assigned to give an award to his mom! Many were amazed by how handsome Celine’s first son was.
Her Son Is Too Young
The first public appearance of Rene Charles Angelil was when he was a presenter in the Billboard Music Awards.
She Made it to 90
Up to this date, Celine’s mother is still healthy and living well. In fact, her beloved mother celebrated her 90th birthday not long ago.
She Made It To 90
She NEVER Misses a Beat
Celine Dion is one of the easiest celebrities to conduct an interview with. Talk show hosts and journalists love her for it.
She NEVER Misses A Beat
For an instance, when she was the guest star in the Ellen DeGeneres show where her jewelry was praised, Celine sang a Donna Summer song, “She worked hard for the money”. Her joyous attitude also played a part in launching her career.
Without a Brother
Celine had to endure many obstacles.
Without A Brother
The week when Rene passed away, Celine’s brother also died because of cancer. It was definitely the worst week for her and her family.
Her Siblings Never Made It Big
Celine’s siblings were talented singers as well.
Her Siblings Never Made It Big
Claudette, one of her older sisters, also pursued a music career. Sadly, she was unable to obtain the same level of success as Celine.
Making Money Off Her Fashion Sense
Even after such an accomplished music career, Celine Dion took a gamble when released her own fashion line. This motivated her to start her own clothing brand.
Making Money Off Her Fashion Sense
It made sense— she is well-known as one of the music industry’s most fashionable celebrities. Her line has over 200 pieces. According to her, it was her family members who inspire and influence her.
TV Debut
Celine Dion is undoubtedly talented in more ways than one. She showcased her acting skill in a Thanksgiving TV show called All My Children.
TV Debut
A Voice Worth Hundreds Of Millions
She might have started dabbling in other fields, but her passion for singing has remained unchanged.
A Voice Worth Hundreds Of Millions
After all, it was the instrument she used in order to achieve her goals and help her family. She is now worth an impressive $700 million.
A Canadian Star
Don’t forget to keep an eye peeled out for her star when you find yourself in either of these places!
A Canadian Star
Did you know that Celine Dion is one of the select Canadian celebrities to have a star in both the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as in the Canadian Walk of Fame?
They Are All Related
One interesting fact about Celine is that she actually shares blood relations with some of the biggest celebrities. This includes the likes of Madonna, Shania Twain, and Beyoncé. Now that’s an amazing story!
They Are All Related
These performers discovered that they can all trace back their bloodlines to the French Canadian Zacharie Cloutier. In 1634, he left France and ventured into North America. His family was one of the earliest to settle in what was then known as “New France”.
Master Of Many Tongues
Aside from English and French, Celine can also perform in other different languages like in Spanish, Italian, German, Latin, Japanese, and Mandarin. Color us impressed!
Master Of Many Tongues
A Staggering Net Worth
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Celine Dion is making an absolute fortune. Her career spans many decades now and she had countless sold out concerts and millions of record sales.
A Staggering Net Worth
In 2000’s, she was declared as the highest earning celebrity and she even accumulated $465 million from her singing performances in Las Vegas. Her other sources of profit are her investments in multiple restaurants, real estate, TV gigs, and her fashion line.
Hit And Miss
Celine is blessed to have numerous hits under her name. We all know that “My Heart Will Go On” was and remains her greatest hit.
Hit And Miss
However, not all of her songs achieved similar success. A clear example was a song she performed for the animated movie “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West”. The song “Dreams to Dream” didn’t become very popular.
Love of Golf
Do you know what Celine Dion’s favorite is? It’s golf!
