NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Celine Dion’s brother has died from cancer – just two days after the singer’s husband also passed away from the disease.
Daniel Dion’s death was confirmed to Mirror Celebs by her publicist.
News emerged yesterday that Daniel, 59, was facing a serious cancer battle.
Her sister Claudette told the Le Journal de Montreal: “He was ready and he no longer suffers. It was serene.”
Celine’s husband, René Angélil, lost his battle with cancer on Thursday aged 73.
The sad news comes after Celine cancelled her upcoming Las Vegas shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace following the death of her husband.
A statement posted on her website read: “With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that Celine performances Saturday, January 16th and Sunday, January 17th at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace have been cancelled.
“All of us at AEG and at Caesars Palace have Celine and her children in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning as his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer. The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time,” his representative told People in a statement.
The 47-year-old singer – who returned to her residency in August after taking a year off to care for her spouse – is tentatively scheduled to return to the venue on February 23.
Celine previously revealed how it was her spirituality that has helped her to cope during her spouse’s health struggles.
Speaking to Taste of Life magazine, Celine – who was raised a Roman Catholic – revealed: “Life is not always perfect. You have to deal with it. Whatever life imposes – sickness, or whatever, you don’t have a choice. This is life, this is nature.
“But you do have the choice on how you’re going to go through this. And if you don’t have spirituality you’re going to fall apart before things happen. I am very spiritual.
“I believe in myself, I believe in my family, and I’m positive. Through this, you show your children how to deal with things, and how to be strong.”
René was first diagnosed with throat cancer in April 1998 but made a full recovery from the illness before contracting it again in December 2013.
The pair first met when Celine was just 12-years-old and began dating when she was 19 and he was 45.
They tied the knot at the Basilica Notre-Dame in Montreal, Quebec, on 17 December 1994 before renewing their wedding vows in Las Vegas in 2000. (Daily Mirror)
•Photo shows Celine Dion and late brother Daniel.