Celine Dion.Photo:Simone Joyner/Getty
Simone Joyner/Getty
Céline Dionhas been gracing the world with her legendary voice for more than 4 decades.From recording her first song at age 12, toTitanic’s epic “My Heart Will Go On,” to her acting debut in 2023, Dion has cemented herself as a pop culture icon. In fact, in 2022,aTitanicparody musical titledTitaniqueopened in New York City that pondered how the events of the fateful journey would have played out if Dion herself was a passenger.In recent months, the star has taken a step back from the spotlight after revealing her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome. She did, however, make a special appearance at the 2024Grammy Awardsto present the award for album of the year — an honor she received 27 years prior — toTaylor Swift.Dion, who celebrates her 56th birthday on March 30, 2024, has had quite the life — here’s a look back at some of the standout moments.
Céline Dionhas been gracing the world with her legendary voice for more than 4 decades.
From recording her first song at age 12, toTitanic’s epic “My Heart Will Go On,” to her acting debut in 2023, Dion has cemented herself as a pop culture icon. In fact, in 2022,aTitanicparody musical titledTitaniqueopened in New York City that pondered how the events of the fateful journey would have played out if Dion herself was a passenger.
In recent months, the star has taken a step back from the spotlight after revealing her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome. She did, however, make a special appearance at the 2024Grammy Awardsto present the award for album of the year — an honor she received 27 years prior — toTaylor Swift.
Dion, who celebrates her 56th birthday on March 30, 2024, has had quite the life — here’s a look back at some of the standout moments.
01of 16Céline Dion’s Early StartCéline Dion as a child.Celine Dion/InstagramCeline Dion was born on March 30, 1968, in Quebec, Canada, and grew up in a musical family. Her talent was obvious from a young age with her first singing gig coming at age 5 at her brother’s wedding.“I sang a couple songs," sherecalled to CNN of the early performance.“When I started to feel the love and the warmth of the audience it got me. I said to myself, ‘Really, this is what I want to do all my life. I want to be a singer.’ “She recorded her first song at age 12.
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Céline Dion’s Early Start
Céline Dion as a child.Celine Dion/Instagram
Celine Dion/Instagram
Celine Dion was born on March 30, 1968, in Quebec, Canada, and grew up in a musical family. Her talent was obvious from a young age with her first singing gig coming at age 5 at her brother’s wedding.
“I sang a couple songs,” sherecalled to CNN of the early performance.“When I started to feel the love and the warmth of the audience it got me. I said to myself, ‘Really, this is what I want to do all my life. I want to be a singer.’ "
She recorded her first song at age 12.
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Céline Dion and Her Parents
Celine Dion with her parents.Sobli/RDB/ullstein bild/Getty
Sobli/RDB/ullstein bild/Getty
Adhémar died in 2003 at the age of 80 and 17 years later, Céline’s motherThérèse died at 92.
03of 16Céline Dion Meets René AngélilCeline Dion and René Angélil.Sobli/RDB/ullstein bildDion’s career took off at a young age and after recording her first song at age 12, she signed with her manager — and later husband — René Angélil. In order to fund her first album,La voix du bon Dieu, Angélilmortgaged his home.“While I was singinghe started to cry,” the singer told PEOPLE of their first meeting. “I knew then I had done a good job.“The two went on their first romantic date seven years later, when Dion was 19 years old, though initiallykept their relationship private.The singer later admitted that the couple’s relationship had taken a romantic turn about a year before their first date.
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Céline Dion Meets René Angélil
Celine Dion and René Angélil.Sobli/RDB/ullstein bild
Dion’s career took off at a young age and after recording her first song at age 12, she signed with her manager — and later husband — René Angélil. In order to fund her first album,La voix du bon Dieu, Angélilmortgaged his home.
“While I was singinghe started to cry,” the singer told PEOPLE of their first meeting. “I knew then I had done a good job.”
The two went on their first romantic date seven years later, when Dion was 19 years old, though initiallykept their relationship private.The singer later admitted that the couple’s relationship had taken a romantic turn about a year before their first date.
04of 16Céline Dion Wins EurovisionCeline Dion.Sobli/RDB/ullstein bild via GettyIn 1988, Dion competed in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Ne partez pas sans mo” and won.The night was important in other ways as well,she wrote in her memoir,Céline Dion: My Story, My Dream.She recalled that after winning a singing competition in Dublin in 1988, which aligned with the date of that year’s Eurovision competition, she andAngélilspent the night together.“I threw myself into his arms,” she wrote. “Later that night, I was seated at the head of the bed, legs folded under the covers. I was happy about being alone with the man I loved.”
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Céline Dion Wins Eurovision
Celine Dion.Sobli/RDB/ullstein bild via Getty
Sobli/RDB/ullstein bild via Getty
In 1988, Dion competed in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Ne partez pas sans mo” and won.
The night was important in other ways as well,she wrote in her memoir,Céline Dion: My Story, My Dream.She recalled that after winning a singing competition in Dublin in 1988, which aligned with the date of that year’s Eurovision competition, she andAngélilspent the night together.
“I threw myself into his arms,” she wrote. “Later that night, I was seated at the head of the bed, legs folded under the covers. I was happy about being alone with the man I loved.”
05of 16Céline Dion Releases English-Language MusicCeline Dion.Dave Benett/GettyDion released her first English-language album,Unison,in 1990, and shortly after released her self-titled album. The early 1990s were huge for the star, who was also featured on the iconic Disney soundtrack forBeauty and the Beaston the Grammy-winning titular duet — her first golden gramophone.
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Céline Dion Releases English-Language Music
Celine Dion.Dave Benett/Getty
Dave Benett/Getty
Dion released her first English-language album,Unison,in 1990, and shortly after released her self-titled album. The early 1990s were huge for the star, who was also featured on the iconic Disney soundtrack forBeauty and the Beaston the Grammy-winning titular duet — her first golden gramophone.
06of 16Céline Dion at the GrammysCeline Dion.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via GettyFor her big moment in 1993, Dion went for a black knitted ensemble paired with a very ’90s choker necklace. In total, the singer has been nominated for 16 Grammys and has taken home 5.
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Céline Dion at the Grammys
Celine Dion.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
For her big moment in 1993, Dion went for a black knitted ensemble paired with a very ’90s choker necklace. In total, the singer has been nominated for 16 Grammys and has taken home 5.
07of 16Céline Dion’s Wedding DayCeline Dion and René Angélil on their wedding day.Michel PONOMAREFF/PONOPRESSE/Gamma-RaphoAs the star continued to rise, her love life remained relatively under wraps, though in 1991 Angélil proposed. The pair went public with their relationship in 1993 — with Dion giving her then-fiancé a shoutout in the liner notes ofTheColour of My Love:“René, for so many years I’ve kept our special dream locked away inside my heart. But now it’s too powerful to keep inside,” she wrote, according toReuters.At the end of 1994, the two tied the knot at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal in a a lavish affair that was broadcasted live on television in Canada.
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Céline Dion’s Wedding Day
Celine Dion and René Angélil on their wedding day.Michel PONOMAREFF/PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho
As the star continued to rise, her love life remained relatively under wraps, though in 1991 Angélil proposed. The pair went public with their relationship in 1993 — with Dion giving her then-fiancé a shoutout in the liner notes ofTheColour of My Love:“René, for so many years I’ve kept our special dream locked away inside my heart. But now it’s too powerful to keep inside,” she wrote, according toReuters.
At the end of 1994, the two tied the knot at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal in a a lavish affair that was broadcasted live on television in Canada.
08of 16Céline Dion at the OscarsJames Horner, Celine Dion and Will Jennings.Frank Trapper/Corbis via GettyOf course, one of Dion’s most famous songs to date is “My Heart Will Go On” from 1997’sTitanic,which won both the Grammy Award for record of the year and the Oscar for Best Original Song. For her big night with the film’s composer James Horner and Will Jennings, who wrote the lyrics, Dion stunned in replica of the famous Heart of the Ocean necklaceseen in the film.
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Céline Dion at the Oscars
James Horner, Celine Dion and Will Jennings.Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty
Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty
Of course, one of Dion’s most famous songs to date is “My Heart Will Go On” from 1997’sTitanic,which won both the Grammy Award for record of the year and the Oscar for Best Original Song. For her big night with the film’s composer James Horner and Will Jennings, who wrote the lyrics, Dion stunned in replica of the famous Heart of the Ocean necklaceseen in the film.
09of 16Céline Dion as a MomCeline Dion with her newborn twin sons in 2011.Ethan Miller/GettyWhile many know and love her for her music, Dion told PEOPLE in 2007that being a mom is what’s most important in her life.“You know, I’m not really a singer. My life is to be a mom,” she said. “It is what I enjoy the most. It is my most amazing reward. I will take a chance with my music. I don’t take risks with my family.“Dion welcomed her first son, René-Charles, on Jan. 25, 2001, and named him for his father. In 2010, they became a family of five when the couple welcomed twins Eddy and Nelson — named for producer Eddy Marnay, who produced Dion’s first five albums, andNelson Mandela.
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Céline Dion as a Mom
Celine Dion with her newborn twin sons in 2011.Ethan Miller/Getty
Ethan Miller/Getty
While many know and love her for her music, Dion told PEOPLE in 2007that being a mom is what’s most important in her life.
“You know, I’m not really a singer. My life is to be a mom,” she said. “It is what I enjoy the most. It is my most amazing reward. I will take a chance with my music. I don’t take risks with my family.”
Dion welcomed her first son, René-Charles, on Jan. 25, 2001, and named him for his father. In 2010, they became a family of five when the couple welcomed twins Eddy and Nelson — named for producer Eddy Marnay, who produced Dion’s first five albums, andNelson Mandela.
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Céline Dion in Las Vegas
Celine Dion in 2003.courtesy of George Bodnar/Getty
courtesy of George Bodnar/Getty
In the early 2000s, Dion kicked off what would bea storied 16-year-tenure at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
In 2021,the singer was set to return to Sin Citythough postponed those shows indefinitely due to “unforeseen medical symptoms” before later announcing herdiagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
11of 16Céline Dion on TourCeline Dion performs in 2008.Tim Mosenfelder/Corbis via GettyIn addition to her Las Vegas shows, Dion has embarked on numerous tours throughout her career including 2008’s Taking Chances Tour, named for the singer’s song of the same name (pictured here).
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Céline Dion on Tour
Celine Dion performs in 2008.Tim Mosenfelder/Corbis via Getty
Tim Mosenfelder/Corbis via Getty
In addition to her Las Vegas shows, Dion has embarked on numerous tours throughout her career including 2008’s Taking Chances Tour, named for the singer’s song of the same name (pictured here).
12of 16Céline Dion Rehearses for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day ParadeCeline Dion.Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via GettyIn 2019, Dion was tapped as one of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day performers and she sang a new song, “Imperfections.”
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Céline Dion Rehearses for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Celine Dion.Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
In 2019, Dion was tapped as one of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day performers and she sang a new song, “Imperfections.”
13of 16Céline Dion and Her Decades-Long Love with René AngélilRené Angélil and Celine Dion in 2013.Gabe Ginsberg/WireImageIn 2016,Dion’s husband diedjust days before his 74th birthday “after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” the family shared.“Before he left, it was very, very difficult for all of us,” Dion said later that year. “For me especially, and my children, to see the man of my life die a little bit more every day. And when he left, it was kind of a relief for me that the man that I love, the only man that I kissed, the only man that I loved.“She continued, “I never kissed another man in my life. So the man of my life was my partner, and we were one. So when he stopped suffering I said to myself, he’s okay. And he deserves not to suffer.”
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Céline Dion and Her Decades-Long Love with René Angélil
René Angélil and Celine Dion in 2013.Gabe Ginsberg/WireImage
In 2016,Dion’s husband diedjust days before his 74th birthday “after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” the family shared.
“Before he left, it was very, very difficult for all of us,” Dion said later that year. “For me especially, and my children, to see the man of my life die a little bit more every day. And when he left, it was kind of a relief for me that the man that I love, the only man that I kissed, the only man that I loved.”
She continued, “I never kissed another man in my life. So the man of my life was my partner, and we were one. So when he stopped suffering I said to myself, he’s okay. And he deserves not to suffer.”
14of 16Céline Dion Makes Her Acting DebutCeline Dion in ‘Love Again’.Sony Music Entertainment Canada/Columbia RecordsIn 2023, Dion made her acting debut in the filmLove Againwhich featured many of the singer’s songs, including five new ones. The soundtrackmarked the first release from Dion since 2019.“I had a lot of fun doing this movie,” she said in a press release for the film at the time. “And to have the privilege of appearing with the beautiful and talented actorsPriyanka Chopra JonasandSam Heughanin my very first feature film is a gift that I will cherish forever.”
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Céline Dion Makes Her Acting Debut
Celine Dion in ‘Love Again’.Sony Music Entertainment Canada/Columbia Records
In 2023, Dion made her acting debut in the filmLove Againwhich featured many of the singer’s songs, including five new ones. The soundtrackmarked the first release from Dion since 2019.
“I had a lot of fun doing this movie,” she said in a press release for the film at the time. “And to have the privilege of appearing with the beautiful and talented actorsPriyanka Chopra JonasandSam Heughanin my very first feature film is a gift that I will cherish forever.”
15of 16Céline Dion Spends Time with Her SonsCeline Dion and her sons.Celine Dion/ InstagramWhile she has taken a step back from performing in the wake of her diagnosis, the singer has continued to share moments with her fans on social media. In November 2023, Dion shared this sweet snap of herself and her three sons enjoying an outingto catch the Montreal Canadiens game.“My boys and I had such a fun time visiting with the Montreal Canadiens after their hockey game with Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas Monday night,” she wrote on Instagram. “They played so well, what a game!! Thank you for meeting us after the game, guys! That was memorable for all of us.”
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Céline Dion Spends Time with Her Sons
Celine Dion and her sons.Celine Dion/ Instagram
Celine Dion/ Instagram
While she has taken a step back from performing in the wake of her diagnosis, the singer has continued to share moments with her fans on social media. In November 2023, Dion shared this sweet snap of herself and her three sons enjoying an outingto catch the Montreal Canadiens game.
“My boys and I had such a fun time visiting with the Montreal Canadiens after their hockey game with Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas Monday night,” she wrote on Instagram. “They played so well, what a game!! Thank you for meeting us after the game, guys! That was memorable for all of us.”
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Celine Dion Makes Her Grammys Return in 2024
Celine Dion and her son, René-Charles.Amy Sussman/Getty
Amy Sussman/Getty
source: people.com
