It has been confirmed that following the death of Celine Dion's husband René Angélil, 73, following a "long and courageous" fight against cancer, her brother, Daniel Dion, 59, has also died from the same disease.
Daniel Dion died on Saturday morning, a day after his family revealed that they believed he had just hours to live. He had also been battling cancer in his throat, as well as brain and tongue cancer.
On Friday, Celine's sister Claudette had told The Journal Of Montreal newspaper: "It's very painful. It's a matter of days or hours. It looks a lot like René, he had cancer of the throat, tongue and brain. Our family is very experienced."
Daniel died in hospital surrounded by his family, including his 88-year-old mother Therese. His obituary reads: "Battling cancer for a few years, it's in the uttermost discretion and surrounded by his family that Daniel Dion, 59, died today, January 16. He was the eighth child of Thérèse and Adhémar Dion.'
According to People.com Celine remained in Vegas with her children to make plans for her husband's funeral.
Celine's husband René was 73 when he passed away on Thursday, just two days before his 74th birthday and one month after the couple's 21st wedding anniversary. The announcement of his death came via a post on Celine's official Facebook page.
It reads: "It is with deep sadness that we announce that René Angélil, aged 73, died this morning (Thursday, Jan 15) at her residence in Las Vegas after a long and courageous fight against cancer. The family wishes to live the mourning in privacy. Other information you will be provided in the next few days."
Grieving Celine immediately cancelled her January 16 and January 17 performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, in Las Vegas.
The star will resume her residency on February 23, however she will be back on stage before then to host a celebration of René at Caesars Palace on February 3.
Celine and René first met in 1980 and began a relationship seven years later. They became engaged in 1991 and married in 1994.
René, who worked as Celine's manager and mentor until June 2014, is survived by his six children; three from his relationship with Celine, and three from a previous relationship.
René underwent his first surgery, having been diagnosed with throat cancer, in December 2013, which led to his decision to step down as Celine's manager, though he remained highly involved in her career choices.
It was revealed in September last year that his cancer was terminal and he was given weeks to live. He passed away on Thursday, January 14.
Tributes have been flooding in on Twitter, with fans paying their respects.
So sad to hear about René Angélil. R.I.P. we all know Celine's heart will go on, yet always belong to you. #RenéAngélil #CelineDion
— Barry Harris (@Barryharrisprod) January 14, 2016
My condolences to @CelineDion, and to the children, friends and loved ones of René Angélil on his passing.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 14, 2016
RIP to another legend Rene Angelil, Celine Dion’s husband. Sad losing so many people to Cancer 😔
— Jeffrey Chang (@JeffreyFever) January 14, 2016
R.I.P Rene Angelil🙏🏽 Thoughts and prayers going out to @celinedion and her family 💋😔
— Celeste (@CBrxwn) January 14, 2016
