René Angélil, the husband of and mentor-manager who helped make Canadian singer Céline Dion a mega star, has died after a years-long battle with throat cancer.
He was 73.
The news was confirmed on Dion's website Thursday where a statement announced Angélil died at their home in Las Vegas "after a long and courageous battled against cancer.
The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time."
Her husband's death culminates a remarkable openness by Dion about Angélil's struggles and her response to living with and facing the inevitable end.