Celine Dion: Saying Goodbye To Ren Anglil In Montreal Today

Dalton D'Amore 20 Aug 2025

How does one say goodbye to an enduring love, a guiding force, a life partner? Cline Dion faced this heart-wrenching reality as she bid farewell to her late husband, Ren Anglil, in a poignant ceremony that resonated with profound sorrow and enduring love. The world watched as a grieving widow, a devoted mother, and an iconic performer navigated the most personal of losses under the public eye.

On a somber day in Montreal, the city that cradled their love story, Cline Dion, accompanied by her children, family, and countless admirers, paid her final respects to Ren Anglil. The funeral, a national event, was held on Friday, January 22, 2016, marking the culmination of a life partnership that spanned decades and defied conventional norms. Anglil, who succumbed to throat cancer at the age of 73 on January 14, 2016, was not only Dion's husband of 21 years but also her longtime manager and the architect of her unparalleled success. The basilica, the very place where they exchanged vows, served as the backdrop for this final farewell.

Category	Information
Full Name	Ren Anglil
Date of Birth	January 16, 1942
Date of Death	January 14, 2016
Age at Death	73
Cause of Death	Throat Cancer
Spouse	Cline Dion (m. 1994-2016)
Children	Patrick Anglil, Jean-Pierre Anglil, Anne-Marie Anglil (from previous marriages); Ren-Charles Anglil, Eddy Anglil, Nelson Anglil (with Cline Dion)
Occupation	Talent Manager, Producer, Singer (early career)
Managed Artists	Cline Dion
Years Active as Manager	1981-2016
Nationality	Canadian
Notable Achievements	Discovered and managed Cline Dion to international stardom; Received the Order of Canada
Official Website	Cline Dion Official Website

The weight of grief was palpable as Cline Dion arrived at the Notre-Dame Basilica, her face etched with sorrow. Yet, amidst her own pain, she offered strength and solace to those around her. She attended the Catholic service alongside her three sons, Ren-Charles, Eddy, and Nelson, a poignant image of a family united in loss. Throughout the memorial, she was seen comforting friends, family members, and even those leading the service, a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit.

The service itself was a deeply moving tribute to a man who had touched countless lives. Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects, their presence a testament to Anglil's profound impact on the music industry and the lives of those he encountered. Live shots captured the somber atmosphere as Dion, the woman he transformed into an international icon, arrived, a visual representation of a legacy built on love, trust, and unwavering belief.

The air was thick with emotion as a recording of Cline Dion's "Trois Heures Vingt" filled the basilica, the haunting melody serving as a reminder of their enduring connection. The choice of music was particularly significant, as "Trois Heures Vingt" (3:20 AM) marked the time when Anglil and Dion's children entered the church, a symbolic gesture of remembrance and love. The service was further highlighted by a heartfelt eulogy delivered by Anglil's teenage son, a poignant testament to the deep bond he shared with his father.

The funeral was meticulously planned by Anglil himself, a final act of love and protection for his beloved wife. Knowing his time was limited, he took the burden of planning his own farewell, ensuring that Cline would be spared the added anguish of making those difficult decisions. This selfless act speaks volumes about the depth of their relationship and the unwavering devotion he had for her.

Cline Dion's musical talent, particularly her powerful voice and emotionally resonant songs, has resonated with audiences worldwide. Many of her songs explore themes of love, loss, and remembrance, making them particularly fitting for memorial services. These songs served not only as expressions of her personal grief but also as a source of comfort and healing for those mourning alongside her.

Among the songs considered appropriate for such an occasion, "My Heart Will Go On" stands out. Famous for its role in the film Titanic, this iconic ballad speaks of eternal love and the enduring connection with a lost loved one, making it a fitting tribute to the lasting impact of Ren Anglil on Cline Dion's life and the world of music. The lyrics, "Every night in my dreams, I see you, I feel you," encapsulate the enduring presence of a loved one even after their physical departure.

Other songs often considered for memorial services include "Because You Loved Me," a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the unwavering support and love received from a significant other; "The Power of Love," a powerful anthem celebrating the transformative power of love; and "A New Day Has Come," a song of hope and renewal that speaks to the possibility of finding light even after the darkest of times. These songs, each with its unique message, offer solace and comfort to those grieving the loss of a loved one.

The funeral service of Ren Anglil was more than just a farewell; it was a celebration of a life well-lived, a love story that transcended boundaries, and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. It was a moment of profound sorrow, but also a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. The image of Cline Dion, standing tall amidst her grief, will forever be etched in the hearts of those who witnessed her unwavering strength and grace.

The echoes of that day in Montreal continue to resonate, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the connections we have with those we love. The story of Cline Dion and Ren Anglil serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love can endure, and hope can prevail.

The days following the funeral were filled with tributes and reflections on Anglil's remarkable life and career. Canadian music executives remembered him as "class personified," a man who possessed both a keen business acumen and a genuine passion for music. His dedication to Cline Dion's career was unparalleled, and his unwavering belief in her talent propelled her to international superstardom.

Anglil's influence extended far beyond the realm of music. He was a mentor, a confidant, and a friend to many, and his generosity and kindness touched countless lives. His legacy will continue to live on through the artists he supported, the lives he touched, and the music he helped bring to the world.

In the wake of Anglil's passing, Cline Dion faced the daunting task of navigating life without her partner, her manager, and her best friend. She returned to her residency in Las Vegas, resuming her performances with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication. Her music became a vehicle for expressing her grief, her love, and her unwavering commitment to honoring Anglil's memory.

Cline Dion's journey through grief has been a source of inspiration to many. She has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength in the face of profound loss, proving that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find light and hope. Her willingness to share her emotions openly and honestly has resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying her status not only as a musical icon but also as a symbol of strength and resilience.

The official website of Cline Dion serves as a testament to her enduring career and her unwavering connection with her fans. It provides a platform for sharing her music, her story, and her message of love, hope, and resilience. It is a space where fans can connect with her and with each other, sharing their own experiences and finding solace in her music.

The documentary "I Am Cline Dion," released on Prime Video, offers an intimate and revealing look into the life of the iconic singer, showcasing her vulnerability, her strength, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. The film has garnered critical acclaim, with a 100% critics score and a 100% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its powerful storytelling and its authentic portrayal of Dion's life and career.

Choosing music for a memorial service is a deeply personal and meaningful process. It is an opportunity to honor the life of a loved one and to express the emotions that words cannot adequately convey. The songs chosen should reflect the individual's personality, their passions, and their impact on the lives of those around them.

Whether it's a classic ballad like "My Heart Will Go On" or a more contemporary song like Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up," the music chosen for a memorial service should provide comfort, solace, and a sense of connection to the departed. It should be a celebration of their life and a reminder of the enduring power of love.

Ren Anglil's passing left a void in the world of music and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. But his legacy will continue to live on through the music of Cline Dion, through the lives he touched, and through the memories that will forever be cherished.

The story of Cline Dion and Ren Anglil is a testament to the power of love, the importance of resilience, and the enduring legacy that can be created when two people believe in each other and support each other's dreams.

As the world continues to mourn the loss of Ren Anglil, we can find solace in the music he helped bring to the world and in the enduring love he shared with Cline Dion. Their story is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love can endure, and hope can prevail.

The funeral service of Ren Anglil served as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones and of celebrating the lives of those who have touched our hearts. It was a day of sorrow, but also a day of remembrance, a day of celebration, and a day of hope.

The memory of Ren Anglil will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the music of Cline Dion and the countless lives he touched.

In the end, the story of Cline Dion and Ren Anglil is a story of love, loss, and enduring resilience. It is a story that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.