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Celine Dion’s Husband Dies

Kaitlan Collins Contributor
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Celine Dion’s husband died Thursday after a years-long battle with throat cancer. He was 73.

René Angélil was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998, and his health had deteriorated so much in the last year that Dion took a leave of absence from her Vegas residency to care for him full time.

Celine Dion's husband dies

(Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS)

She announced the news in a post on her website.

“René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” the post read.

“The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time.” (VIDEO: Everyone Was Crying During Celine Dion’s Paris Tribute At The AMAs)

In August, Dion said they had discussed his last wishes.

“I’ll say, ‘You’re scared? I understand. Talk to me about it,’” Dion said. “And René says to me, ‘I want to die in your arms.’ OK, fine, I’ll be there, you’ll die in my arms.”

Dion married Angélil in 1994, though she had known him since she was 12. They have three children together — a 14-year-old and 4-year-old twins. (RELATED: Celine Dion’s Husband Wants To Die In Her Arms)

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Kaitlan Collins