What comes to mind when you think of Celine Dion? Her iconic song “My Heart Will Go On,” or her trademark chest thump while she sings, or just that incredible voice itself? The Canadian songstress’s career has been like no one else’s, with a long list of accomplishments — including best-selling female artist of all time.
In honor of her 48th birthday today, take a look back at her greatest career moments, famous red-carpet appearances, and her relationships with her family, notably with her recently deceased husband, René Angélil.
Getty Images1980s: The Early Years
The ’80s were unkind to most of us, fashion-wise. Check out that “Let’s Get Physical”-esque braided headband!
Getty Images1986: A Blossoming Romance
Dion started secretly dating her agent and manager, René Angélil, in 1986. He was still married and they had a 26-year age difference. They got engaged in 1991.
1990: A Burgeoning Career
Getty ImagesDion released her debut album in 1981, when she was only 13 years old. By the end of the decade, she was an award-winning singer on just about every continent … except North America. For her American TV debut, she sang “Where Does My Heart Beat Now” on the Tonight Show.
Getty Images1992: Major Breakthrough
Her break into the English-speaking mainstream came via Disney. Her duet with Peabo Bryson on the Beauty and the Beast title track earned her a Grammy, an Oscar, and a truly international pop career.
1994: An Unforgettable Wedding
PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)Once their relationship went public, Dion and Angélil sealed the deal in opulent style. Adorned in jewels and fur, the singer and her longtime love wed live on Canadian TV.
Getty Images1997: Award Winner
“Falling Into You” won Album of the Year at the 1997 Grammys, with hits including the karaoke classic “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
Getty Images1997: Back-to-Back Hits
Dion released a staggering nine studio albums in the 1990s, in both English and French. “Let’s Talk About Love,” released in 1997, featured a duet with Barbra Streisand and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Getty Images1998: Her Heart Goes on
Just when she couldn’t get more famous, she did. The record-smashing film Titanic features Dion’s earworm hit “My Heart Will Go On.” That opening flute still brings us to tears. Dion wore a replica of the film’s “heart of the ocean” diamond to the 1998 Oscars, where she also performed the theme song.
1998: Diva Status Cemented
Getty ImagesVH1 launched their Divas Live concert franchise in 1998, with Dion joining the ranks of icons like Aretha Franklin and Carole King for an awe-inspiring TV special.
Getty Images1999: A Daring Fashionista
Lady Gaga, please note your roots! Dion rocked an eye-catching backwards tuxedo (with matching avant-garde chapeau) on the Oscars red carpet in 1999.
Getty Images2001: Taking a Break
At the height of her fame, Dion paused to concentrate on her family, and the expansion of it. Her son René-Charles Angélil was born in January 2001.
Getty Images2004: Title Holder
Her career went on hiatus, but her sales never did. Dion was named the best-selling female artist of all time at the World Music Awards in 2004, after selling more than 175 million albums worldwide.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images for AEG Live/Concerts West2007: Headliner
In 2002, she returned to music in spectacular fashion, signing on for a show five nights a week at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Her residency was extended from three years to five, and earned $400 million before it ended in 2007.
2010: A Bigger Brood
Ethan Miller//Getty ImagesDion announced another go in Vegas within months of delivering twins in 2010. Can you say, Superwoman?
Getty Images2015: A House Full of Boys
Dion and Angélil named their twin sons Eddy and Nelson, after her favorite French singer and the South African president, respectively.
Getty Images2015: A Devastating Illness
After battling throat cancer for 15 years, Angélil’s condition worsened, and Dion went on hiatus from her Vegas shows. In August 2015, she received a standing ovation in her first appearance back on the Caesars Palace stage.
2016: Her Heartbreaking Loss
Dion’s husband and brother both passed away in January 2016. Angélil was given a state funeral service in Quebec.
2016: A Look to the Future
YouTubeIn the face of unimaginable grief, Dion remained the consummate professional. She returned to Caesars Palace in February 2016, where she spoke and sang tributes to her beloved husband.
