Céline Dion's Brother Dies Just Two Days After René Angélil
The past week has been the hardest for Céline Dion as her brother, Daniel, died on Saturday, just two days after the entertainer lost her husband, René Angélil, to cancer.
Daniel was 59 when he died of cancer at Maison Adhémar-Dion, a care center in Terrebonne, Quebec, and according to CNN, his funeral will take place at St-Simon-et-Jude, also in Quebec.
Dion is still grieving her husband's death and her brother's passing has only added to the grief that the iconic singer is feeling. A family statement has requested that media and fans respect whatever decision the family will make about Daniel's funeral and burial. "Taking in consideration the reserved character of their deceased brother, the family wishes respect and discretion from the media," the statement reads.
Angélil died of throat cancer on Thursday, while Daniel passed away from throat, tongue, and brain cancer.
Eighth in the family, Daniel was surrounded by his family when he passed away, and while the family has requested for privacy, some details have been shared about a visitation that will be held in honor of his memory.
According to the singer's website, a visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Salon Charles Rajotte in Repentigny. It is unclear if the visitation will allow for fans to pay their last tributes.
Meanwhile, Angélil's funeral will be held at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, which is the same parish that witnessed the wedding between him and Dion 21 years ago. Fans can pay their final tributes to Angélil on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., as Dion has opened a Chapel of Rest for the public.
Angélil saw Dion's rise to fame and glory, and together, they made history as two of the world's biggest names in the music industry. The former manager leaves behind three children with Dion and three other children from previous marriages.