Celine Dion is grateful for the amount of love she received from fans following the death of her husband, René Angélil. The 47-year-old singer penned a letter dedicated to her fans, thanking them for their support and expressing "gratitude" for their "outpouring of love" following her family's loss.
"My family and I are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from so many people who have touched our lives during these past few days," read a letter posted on Dion's website Friday. "We have felt your love for René, and your prayers and compassion have helped us during this most difficult time... more than you'll ever know. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"I would also like to sincerely thank the Quebec Government for honoring René with National Funerals as well as the many individuals and organizations who came together to hold such a beautiful tribute in his name. We will never forget all of the kindness that you have bestowed upon us," the message added.
Dion released the statement on behalf of her entire family, including the couple's sons - 14-year-old René-Charles and 5-year-old twins Nick and Eddy - as well as Angelil's children from his previous relationship, Patrick, Jean-Pierre, and Anne-Marie.
Angélil died on Jan. 14 at the age of 73 after a longtime battle with throat cancer. His funeral was held at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, the same place where Dion and Angélil wed in 1994. The event was televised in Canada and streamed online around the world.
Rene-Charles gave a speech during the funeral to honor his late father.
"Fifteen years is not a long time for a son to get to know his father. You had a busy life, but we were communicating through golf, hockey, poker and smoked meat," he began his speech. "And a lot of other wonderful food. Bonding more and more as time went by."
"You left me now with enough good memories of you to share with my younger brothers [Nelson and Eddy]. As they grow older without you being around, I'll make sure to pass on what I've learned from you," he continued. "You are a tough act to follow, but with your help everything is going to be fine. Dad, I promise you here that we are all going to live up to your standards."
Two days after her husband's death, Dion lost her brother, Daniel Dion, to cancer. However, sources told the Daily Mail that Dion and her brother were close but the singer was "too devastated" to attend another funeral.
