Celine Dion pays tribute to late husband

Celine Dion paid tribute to her late husband as someone who "always thought of others" before himself.

The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ hitmaker took to the stage at the ADISQ Gala in Quebec on Sunday night (10.30.16) to praise René Angélil – who passed away in January – for his work as a music producer and his personal values.

Speaking at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of Place des Arts, she told the audience: "[Rene was] not only one of the greatest visionaries of the Quebec music industry, he was also one of the biggest fans of musical artists that ever existed.

"He had an immense respect for people who had that passion … René always thought of others before he thought of himself."

The spectacle included an emotional tribute to René, who was Celine’s manager, in which the 48-year-old singer and Ginette Reno, 70, who was also managed by the late star, performed.

Celine later took to the stage to pick up the Felix trophy in his honour and was given a standing ovation.

The ‘Because You Loved Me’ hitmaker later admitted René would have been "very proud" of the occasion.

Speaking backstage at the ceremony, she is quoted by the Montreal Gazette newspaper as saying: "Of course it was a great honor for me to receive trophies over the years, but to be here to receive a trophy that’s not for me, that’s even more touching.

"He’s not physically present, but I’m sure he’s here tonight. I don’t think he missed any of this, and I’m sure he’s very proud."

It comes following reports Celine is to take the whole of December off to be with her 15-year-old son René-Charles and six-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson for their first Christmas since René’s passing.

A source recently said: "She’s taking all of December off to spend with the kids. She’s still grieving, but she’s doing everything she can to keep as happy and as healthy as possible. It’s all about the kids."