Celine Dion is preparing to return to the stage on August 27 after taking a year hiatus to care for her sick husband Rene Angelil, who is battling throat cancer.
The 47-year-old singer opened up about their emotional conversations as his health continues to decline, revealing the heartbreaking promise she made to him.
Recalling their conversation, she said: "I'll say, 'You're scared? I understand. Talk to me about it.'"
Celine continued: "And René says to me, 'I want to die in your arms.' OK, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms."
However, on his instructions, she has returned to Las Vegas for her residency despite it 'freaking' him out when she's not at home with him.
When talking about Rene’s fear of dying, Celine admits that she tries to be strong, but that he sometimes 'needs something more sensitive than that, more than just positivity,' Celine told USA Today.
Rene Angelil and Celine Dion met when she was just 12 years old, and he later became her manager, and then her husband in 1994. The couple share three children together, Nelson Angelil, Eddy Angelil, and Rene-Charles Angelil.
She refers to him as 'the only boyfriend I’ve ever had' and 'the leader of the band all my life.'
She added to USA Today: "Don't forget, he's been the leader of the band all my life. So it [hacks] him off to not see me all day and over here working. But he wants me to do this, do the show, do the interviews. But he freaks when I'm not home with him, too ..."
"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. But René really gave me a gift."
She explained: "All my grieving, it was during this last year. I think I've got this. For now."
Rene was diagnosed with throat cancer for a second time in 2013, and is currently being cared for at their Las Vegas home.
"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," Celine said.
