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Celebration of Life for Rene Anglil

Posted at 12:35 PM, Jan 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-04 08:57:03-05
UPDATE: It's been nearly three weeks since Celine Dion's husband and manager, Rene Angélil, passed away. Wednesday night, Celine Dion was joined by hundreds of people at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a celebration of Rene's life.
 
"This is home away from home," said Celine Dion as she took the podium at The Colosseum. "I'm supposed to feel so comfortable being home. But right now, I'm not sure how strong I feel."
 
Celine spoke for about ten minutes after two hours of other speakers and performances honoring her late husband.
 
"He would be so happy to know we are all here together sharing stories and memories and playing some of his favorite music," she said. "Especially in his favorite theater that many years ago was his dream come true."
 
The Colosseum was packed with more than 800 fans plus a couple hundred friends and family members. Celine and the kids sat center stage.
 
"I watched all the funeral services that were in Canada," said fan Nicole Quiroga. "I sat in front of my computer and when I heard about this [tribute at The Colosseum] I was so determined, I called Caesars Palace daily to try to find out about this," she said.
 
Fans like Quiroga couldn't wait to hear the famous singer speak so highly about the love of her life.
 
"Their relationship was so amazing and such a love story that it hurt me because I hurt for her and then to think about the kids, the older one, he has some memories. But the younger two, it's sad," said Quiroga.
 
Fighting back tears, Celine Dion spent a good portion of her time speaking about what an amazing person her husband was.
 
"Time was very precious to him," said Celine Dion. "He loved life so much. He loved life so very much and life loved him."
 
ORIGINAL STORY: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace hosted a Celebration of Life for Celine Dion's late husband Rene Angélil on Feb. 3.
 
 
Angélil, 73, passed away because of throat cancer on Jan. 14 at the couple's home in Henderson. He was laid to rest on Jan. 22 in Montreal, Canada.
 
Dion issued the following statement on Friday morning about her husband's death. It reads:
 
My family and I are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from so many people who have touched our lives during these past few days. We have felt your love for René, and your prayers and compassion have helped us during this most difficult time...more than you'll ever know.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
 
I would also like to sincerely thank the Quebec Government for honoring René with National Funerals as well as the many individuals and organizations who came together to hold such a beautiful tribute in his name.
We will never forget all of the kindness that you have bestowed upon us."
 
On behalf of our family, with all of our love,
 
Céline
René-Charles, Nelson and Eddy,
Patrick, Jean-Pierre and Anne Marie
 
 
Dion's brother Daniel also died of cancer just two days after Angélil passed away.