logo

Céline Dion's First English Interview Gave a Glimpse into Her Huge Family: Where Are They Now?

Odette Odendaal
Mar 13, 2019
06:51 P.M.

In a throwback video from the CBC Archives, a young girl named Celine Dion had her first English interview.

Advertisement

The year was 1983 and Celine spoke in broken English of her massive family and her hopes of becoming a famous singer. She was 15 years old at the time, and her wheel of fortune had already got set in motion.

Born in Quebec on March 30, 1968, Celine entered a world of music and a big family with 13 siblings. Her mother, Therese Tanguay married her father, Adhémar Dion when she was very young.

In spite of a busy and big family, Therese carved out the time to become a famous TV personality hosting her own culinary show. However, Therese had a great love for music and often wrote songs with some of Celine’s older siblings.

Advertisement

When Celine was five years old, she made her singing debut at her one of four brothers’ wedding in 1973. Although not currently married, Michel used to sing and perform back in the day and was part of a band called The Show in Québec.

Michel Dion escorts his sister, Celine Dion, onstage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on August 27, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Photo: Getty Images

Michel Dion escorts his sister, Celine Dion, onstage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on August 27, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Photo: Getty Images

Seven years later it was 66-year-old Michel that sent Celine’s future husband, René Angélil a recording of her singing which ultimately led to Celine’s dreamt about life of fame and love.

Celine’s brother Jacques, on the other hand, helped her write her first song, “Ce n’était qu’un rêve,” and was the same song Michel sent to René Angélil. A few days ago on March 10 Jacques celebrated his 64th birthday and still performs his own music on occasion.

Advertisement

Paul Dion turns 57 on April 3 is not involved in the music side of things and manages their mother, Therese’s charity foundation.

The legendary singer’s remaining brother is the only one of the 14 siblings that is not alive anymore. Tragedy struck for Celine when René Angélil died of cancer in 2016. The death of her brother Daniel followed two days later, also from cancer.

While still alive, Daniel had a show with two of his sisters, Chislaine and Claudette. 61-year old Chislaine is a happily married singer who performed as a back-up singer on several of Celine’s albums.

Advertisement

Claudette also dedicated her life to singing, married life and motherhood. Throughout her career, the 70-year old mother of four released seven studio albums and still perform all over Canada.

Of Celine’s nine sisters, Pauline is the closest to her in age, but the 57-year-old is also the one who manages Celine’s fan club and events.

Big sister to them all, Denise turned 72 years old last August, and much like her mother, Denise decided to have a big family of 8 with husband, Yvon Daudier. Clement, a year younger than Denise, is a businesswoman and owns a golf course, “Le Mirage” and has four children.

69-year old Liette tragically lost her daughter Karine aged 16 to cystic fibrosis in 1993, a year before Celine married René.

Advertisement

In 2016, the same year René and Celine’s brother, Daniel died from cancer, Liette’s husband Guy Poirier got diagnosed with cancer, but he is currently in remission and declared cancer free.

65-year-old Louise is the only sibling that prefers to lead a private life with her husband Pierre Tremblay and three children. Linda is believed to be the one who takes care of Celine’s children when she is on tour, but sadly have no children of her own due to health issues.

The iconic singer is very close to her sister Manon, who works as her personal assistant. The 58 -year old also has no children and lives with her longtime partner Gilles Hacala.

Cancer is a recurring theme that’s had an impact on Celine’s life. Her father, Adhémar died in 2003 after a battle with cancer, years later in 2016, she lost both her husband and a brother to cancer within days from each other.

Advertisement

Later the same year her one sister’s husband got diagnosed with cancer as well but is currently cancer free.

Those wanting to know more on Celine’s early life, won't have to wait long. Her second biographical film directed by Marc-André Lavoie is currently in the making.

“Celine Before Celine” will focus on the singer’s life growing up before she became famous.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Celine Dion's Fans Think She Gained Weight & Her Face Looked 'Puffy' at the Grammys – Tragedies She Has Faced

February 05, 2024

Fans Astonished by Céline Dion’s Rarely-Seen Son Who Is All Grown up Now and ‘Looks Like His Father'

February 07, 2024

Fans Claim Celine Dion Gained Weight as She Makes 1st Public Appearance amid Health Battle with Rare Disorder

November 02, 2023

Ill Celine Dion Was Treated Disrespectfully by This Star, While Giving Award to Her, Fans Say: Video

February 07, 2024

Taylor Swift Criticized for Being ‘Disrespectful’ to Celine Dion at Grammy Awards Stage

February 05, 2024

Celine Dion Displays Enviable Leg in Silk Wrap Dress with Thigh-High Slit during Appearance amid Illness

February 05, 2024

Celebrities’ Christmas Outfits: Christmas Tree Costume, ‘Phoenix’ Shoes & Sleeveless Santa Coat

November 22, 2023

Celine Dion’s Rarely-Seen Sons Rock Mustaches in Surprise Appearance with Mom at Hockey Game

November 03, 2023

Celine Dion’s Appearance at Concert amid Stiff-Person Syndrome Battle Sparked Strong Fans' Reactions — Photos

November 09, 2023

'We Cannot Lose Her': Fans Pray for Celine Dion, 55, after Sad Update a Year after Her Diagnosis

December 19, 2023

'Been Too Long': Céline Dion Proves She Didn't Lose a Beat as She Sings amid Health Concerns

February 08, 2024

Alan Jackson's Grandbaby Is on the Way: Photos & Details about the 'Little Sweetie Pie'

February 09, 2024

Denise Lombardo: Meet Jordan Belfort's First Wife

October 31, 2023

Shikiri Hightower Shares 4 Children with 2 Men - Meet Maia, Keyshawn Jr, Monique Bella & Maya Denise

November 08, 2023