Tribute: Celine’s Beloved René “Made a Difference to so Many Kids in Soweto”
Celine Dion’s husband and former manager René Angelil, who sadly passed away today, was a man whose generosity not only helped launch his wife’s incredible musical career…but helped so many children in South Africa too. René (73) died at the Canadian couple’s home in Las Vegas – where Celine has been performing against since last year after taking a long […]
Celine Dion’s husband and former manager René Angelil, who sadly passed away today, was a man whose generosity not only helped launch his wife’s incredible musical career…but helped so many children in South Africa too.
René (73) died at the Canadian couple’s home in Las Vegas – where Celine has been performing against since last year after taking a long break to nurse him. He had been battling cancer since being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2000; and stepped down as her manager in 2014.
According to reports, René so believed in Celine’s talent that he mortgaged his house to finance her first album. She went on to become the fifth highest paid artist in the world with 25 studio albums to her name!
Perhaps what is less known is that he was a great supporter of the non-profit organisation ACFS (African Children’s Feeding Scheme) which helps empower several township communities and feeds 31,500 children daily with milk and peanut butter sandwiches.
Today Penny Stein from Penny Stein Promotions shared photographs of a visit made from René and Celine to the ACFS in South Africa, and paid tribute to René, saying:
“René, a man born with humility and greatness. Celine and René @The African Childrens Feeding Scheme. René and Celine made a huge financial contribution to the organization.
“RIP René, you made a real difference to so many kids’ lives here in Soweto; we are forever grateful. Celine our deepest condolences to all of you.”
Celine and René met when she was just 12 and her parents asked him to manage her career. They married in 1994 and had three children. Last year she told USA Today that her biggest job was “to tell my husband, we’re fine. I’ll take care of our kids. You’ll watch us from another spot…”
Bryan Hill, who has been involved in the SA theatre industry for over two decades, said: “A really lovely man… Very sad news but at least there is no more pain and suffering for him… His legacy of discovering Celine, and their wonderful marriage will live on…”
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