Céline Dion Returns to Las Vegas With the Support of Her Cancer-Stricken Husband

Céline Dion drew cheers as she strode onstage to announce the Top Male Artist at the Billboard Music Awards on May 17 in Las Vegas.

The “My Heart Will Go On” singer’s confident grin and green, one-shouldered leather dress with a thigh-high slit announced to the adoring crowd: I’m back. And she will be, very soon — Céline is relaunching her Las Vegas residency on Aug. 27.

Celine onstage at the Billboard Music Awards on May 17.

“I’m excited very much,” confided the star before she went onstage, “but scared, too, a little bit, because it’s been a while.” One observer said of Céline: “She was sweet — forthright and honest. It was touching.”

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In August, it will have been one year since Céline postponed her engagement at Caesars Palace to care for her husband, René Angélil, 73, who underwent surgery for throat cancer in December 2013. Since then, Céline’s life has revolved around René, her husband of 21 years and manager for 30, and their three children, René-Charles, 14, and 4-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson.

Céline embracing her husband and son onstage in December 2007.

“It’s not an easy life for René, or for Céline to see him go through this,” says a source. “She does everything she can.”

But both Céline, 47, and René feel the time is right for her to return to the stage — not for her career, but for the family. “Céline sees going back to Vegas as therapy for her and her family,” says a Céline insider. “In fact, René insisted she get back to work. He lights up when she sings or talks about a performance — he’s her No. 1 fan. René feels better and the kids feel better when she’s doing what she loves.”