Despite losing her mother, Celine Dion powered through her concert, dedicating the entire event to the woman who made her who she is today.
Celine Dion, a global icon who broke world records for "My Heart Will Go On" is trying hard to stay true to the lyrics of this classic song. Losing her beloved husband was a heartbreaking blow by itself. Four years later, the singer's heart was shattered again when she lost her mother on January 16, 2020, as reported by People. And Therese, who was known throughout Quebec, Canada as "Maman Dion" for her philanthropic work, was everything to the 51-year-old artist. In fact, Dion wouldn't be the star she is today if it hadn't been for her mother.
A mother of 14 kids, with Celine being the youngest, Therese saw the talent her daughter had in her and knew something had to be done about it. So she sent 12-year-old Celine's singing on a cassette recording to Canadian music producer Rene Angelil in January 1981, according to the Inquirer. And thus began the young girl's foray into the world of fame. But it wasn't just Dion's career that her mother kickstarted. She was also introduced to her future husband and love of her life, Rene, through her mother.
As Dion was working through her Courage World Tour, she lost the woman who made her who she is and gave her everything. Dion's management confirmed in a statement to Entertainment Tonight that Therese died after months of battling serious health issues. She was surrounded by her family and friends. "It is with deep sadness that Feeling Productions announces the death of Mrs. Thérèse Tanguay Dion," the statement reads. "Mrs. Dion died peacefully at home last night, surrounded by her family. The family and loved ones thank you in advance for respecting their privacy during these difficult times. Details related to the funeral will be communicated later."
Despite the pain that the Titanic singer was going through, she battled through it and decided to go ahead with the second day of her Florida concert on January 17. But wanting to do something for her mother, she announced that she was dedicating the concert to her. “We dedicate tonight’s show to you and I’ll sing to you with all my heart. Love, Céline xx…” the pop icon wrote on Twitter shortly after the news broke out, according to Global News.
The singer used to end all her concerts with a cover of John Lennon’s Imagine, but this time it was different. She took the stage at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, to perform the 1939 classic Over the Rainbow as a commemorative tribute. This was her way of saying goodbye. Speaking to the crowd, she admitted that "...I’m a little shaky today. My legs are a little wobbly," according to Today.
Choking back tears, the mother-of-three continued: "My mom was 92. She was ill for quite a while. And we knew she wouldn’t be with us for long. Two days ago, we got a call from the nurses who were taking care of her so well, saying that her time was coming soon. Very soon.” She said that she and her siblings rushed to be by her side and to make things comfortable and happy for her.
“We told stories. We sang songs. We hugged each other and said our goodbyes,” she revealed. “We are pretty sure that mom waited for us to be all together again one more time. I know for sure she wanted me to be the best of myself tonight. And I also know that she wanted all of you to have the time of your life.” With that, the eight-time Grammy winner went on to create magic on stage.
Losing a loved one is never easy and within the span of 4 years, Dion lost both her husband and her mother. R.I.P Therese. We hope her blessings guide Celine through this difficult time and help her be her best in the years to come.
References:
https://people.com/music/celine-dion-mother-therese-tanguay-dion-dead/
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/358824/maman-dion-mother-of-singer-celine-dies-at-92
https://www.etonline.com/therese-tanguay-dion-mother-of-celine-dion-dead-at-92-139755
https://globalnews.ca/news/6437476/celine-dion-over-the-rainbow-tribute-to-mother/
https://www.today.com/parents/celine-dion-paid-tribute-her-late-mother-onstage-just-hours-t172151
