Céline Dion Shares How Late Husband René Angélil Accompanies Her to Treatments: ‘I’m Still Married’

In PEOPLE’s latest cover story, Céline Dion shares how she continues to feel connected to her late husband, René Angélil, who passed away in 2016 from throat cancer.

Nearly eight years after his death, Dion, 56, reveals that she often receives signs from Angélil, even amidst her ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she explains, “I’m still married to René. He’s still my husband. When we travel for my treatments, I always bring pictures [of him]. And we have pictures, of course, all over the house.”

Dion, opening up about her life in the forthcoming documentary I Am: Celine Dion, streaming globally June 25 on Prime Video, also discusses how their sons, René-Charles and twins Eddy and Nelson, keep their father’s memory alive. She recalls moments when they interact with his pictures, saying, “‘Dad, we’re watching Ratatouille tonight, so I hope you like it.’ They kiss the pictures.”

Since her diagnosis in 2022, Dion has focused on treatment at home in Las Vegas, rarely leaving due to intensive therapy. Despite her challenges, she always ensures to bring Angélil’s photos when traveling, reassuring her children, “Yes, I have Papa’s pictures!”

Directed by Irene Taylor, the documentary I Am: Céline Dion delves into Dion’s personal journey with stiff-person syndrome and offers an intimate look at her life. Taylor, known for her sensitive approach to storytelling, shares, “I believe in my heart that the more someone lets me in, the more I can share. This film will give people a new perspective on Céline and shed light on a little-known disease.”

As the film premieres, Dion expresses gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support, hoping that her story encourages others to speak out and not suffer alone.