World-renowned singer Celine Dion, 47, is back to work at the Strip in Las Vegas after taking a one-year hiatus to care for her husband René Angélil, 73, who up to now is still battling throat cancer.
The couple is now preparing for their last Christmas together, and Dion revealed that her husband has expressed the hope of dying in her arms. But for now, nothing makes Angélil happier more than to see his wife shine on stage.
"I didn't want to be here at first, I don't need it. Don't get me wrong, I love singing for people, but I have priorities," Dion told USA TODAY. "But René really gave me a gift. All my grieving, it was during this last year. I think I've got this. For now. When it hits me, it's going to hit me. But my biggest job is to tell my husband, we're fine. I'll take care of our kids. You'll watch us from another spot."
Dion revealed that her husband is in an emotionally vulnerable state, and sometimes, it would really help him if she talked him out of it.
"We have asked [doctors] many times, how long does he have, three weeks, three months? René wants to know. But they say they don't know," she said. "I'll say, 'You're scared? I understand. Talk to me about it.' And René says to me, 'I want to die in your arms.' Okay, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms."
Her husband's battle with cancer has made a huge impact on Dion's life, but she chooses to remain strong because she believes strength and confidence are what her husband needs right now.
"You have two choices. You look at your husband who's very sick and you can't help, and it kills you. Or you look at your husband that's sick and you say, 'I got you. I got it. I'm here. It's going to be just fine.' You can have your shaking knees at the end, but when someone you love falls and needs help, it's not time to cry," she said. "Afterwards, sure. But not yet."
