The life of Rene Angelil, husband of Canadian singer Celine Dion, will be mourned and celebrated on Friday during a national funeral in Montreal. Here’s what you need to know about the ceremony.
Angelil died on Jan. 14 following a long battle with cancer.
In a Facebook Post, Dion said Angelil had detailed his "final wishes" before his death.
"His funeral will be held at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, where 21 years ago, he chose to marry the one who will remain as the great love of his life, the artist for which he had the most respect, the woman who gave him light and happiness until his very last breath," the post read.
Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, René Angélil passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016, on the eve of...
Posted by Celine Dion on Friday, January 15, 2016
Following Angelil's death on Jan. 14, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard offered the family a national funeral – an honour typically reserved for individuals who have made a mark in business, culture or sports in the province.
Quebec painter Jean-Paul Riopelle and hockey legends Maurice Richard and Jean Béliveau are among the nine other Quebecers who have had a national funeral.
Flags on provincial buildings will be lowered to half-mast on the day of Angelil’s service.
Dion greets mourners
Mourners lined up for hours to pay their respect to Angelil – some arriving at Notre-Dame Basilica hours before a public visitation began on Thursday.
Dion, along with her eldest son, 14-year-old Rene-Charles, and Angelil's two adult sons from his previous marriages, stood by the coffin to greet the long lineup of people.
The singer ended up greeting mourners for more than seven hours, first during a private visitation for close family and friends, and later during a public session.
Wearing a belted black dress, gloves and small face veil, Dion wiped away tears as she accepted condolences.
A “celebration of life” will take place at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace Colosseum, where Dion has a residency, on Feb. 3.
Where to watch the funeral
The national funeral service for Angelil will take place on Friday, Jan. 22 at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica. The service, which is expected to feature a star-studded guest list, is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET and will be televised and streamed lived on CTVNews.ca.
Will Dion sing?
Dion's representatives have reported that the funeral will not include any live musical tributes, however, her songs may be played during the service.
