Rene Angelil Dead: Celine Dion's Husband Dies at 73 After Years of Battling Cancer

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For almost two decades, Celine's Dion's husband, Rene Angelil fought cancer. The family extended a strong support to him. Unfortunately, the life and death battle is over because the dreaded disease has finally taken Rene from his family.

On Thursday morning, Rene, 73, died at their home in Las Vegas, TMZ reported. Dion and their three children: Rene-Charles, 14, and their five-year-old fraternal twins Eddy and Nelson were with him on his last hours.

Although, he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998, his death was totally unexpected. Several sources close to the family revealed that he was feeling better. In fact, the couple had planned business meetings together.

Dion's spokeswoman, Francine Chaloult released a statement confirming Rene's death on the singer's Facebook page. "Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer," she wrote. "The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time."

Following Rene's death, the "My Heart Will Go On" singer cancelled two of her shows at the Caesars Palace, which is scheduled this weekend. Dion committed to return on Feb. 23.

According to CBC News, Rene had undergone cancer treatment in the last two decades. To show support to her ailing husband, Dion put her career on hold. She even cancelled future performances in Las Vegas and her upcoming Asian tour that was scheduled to begin in the fall.

In the early 60s, Rene rose to fame through his band Les Baronets. The group, which included two of his childhood friends, translated English pop songs into French. They enjoyed a short-term success and had a few hits.

In 1972, the band broke up and Rene made changes on his career. He switched from singing into managing talents. Among the talents he handled were Quebec's biggest pop artists Rene Simard and Ginette Reno. However, it was Dion's voice that launched both of their careers into the pedestal.

Their start was not easy. He discovered the "It's All Coming Back to Me" singer, who was 26 years his junior when she sent him a demo tape when she was 12 years old. To help her launch her career, he mortgaged his house and told everyone around him that he is going to make the singer a worldwide star.

Rene was true to his words and most ,if not all, people worldwide know Dion today. The two fell in love and got married in 1994.

At the time, no funeral plans have been made public but per Dion's spokesperson. They will provide more details at a later time.