Celine Dion admits that cancer-stricken husband René Angélil wants to ‘die in her arms’

Cancer battle: Celine Dion's husband René Angélil wants to ‘die in her arms’
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Jennifer Ruby25 August 2015
The Weekender

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Celine Dion has admitted that husband René Angélil, who is battling throat cancer, wants to ‘die in her arms’.

The chart-topping singer has opened up about the emotional conversation that she has had with her 73-year-old other half as he fights the disease.

Speaking to USA Today, Dion said: “I'll say, 'You're scared? I understand. Talk to me about it.’”

“And René says to me, 'I want to die in your arms.' OK, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms."

Discussing her husband’s prognosis, the singer added: “We have asked (doctors) many times, how long does he have, three weeks, three months? René wants to know. But they say they don't know.”

Admitting that she’s trying her best to be strong, Dion said: “When you see someone who is fighting so hard, it has a big impact on you.

“You have two choices. You look at your husband who's very sick and you can't help, and it kills you.

“Or you look at your husband that's sick and you say, 'I got you. I got it. I'm here. It's going to be just fine.'”

She added: "You can have your shaking knees at the end, but when someone you love falls and needs help, it's not time to cry. Afterwards, sure. But not yet."

Dion, who has taken a year long hiatus from her Las Vegas residency, will be returning to the strip later this week.

Speaking about the brave decision to return, the signer said: “I didn't want to be here at first, I don't need it. Don't get me wrong, I love singing for people, but I have priorities.

“But René really gave me a gift," she says.

"All my grieving, it was during this last year. I think I've got this. For now. When it hits me, it's going to hit me.

“But my biggest job is to tell my husband, we're fine. I'll take care of our kids. You'll watch us from another spot.”

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