• Celine Dion has been rumored to be dating a younger man.
  • The man in question is her backup dancer and professional illustrator.
  • Despite speculation, Dion has clarified the nature of their relationship. She also admitted to being in love with her late husband, René Angelil.

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René Angelil and Céline Dion on December 1, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

René Angelil and Céline Dion on December 1, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion’s love life has long captivated her fans. Now, rumors of a romance with a younger colleague add an intriguing layer to her story. For years, speculation has swirled around Dion and a younger man with whom she’s been publicly spotted on multiple occasions.

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil at the 1995 World Music Awards on May 3, 1995 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil at the 1995 World Music Awards on May 3, 1995 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. | Source: Getty Images

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The celebrated singer, who became a widow following the death of her husband, René Angélil, has navigated her personal and professional life with dignity. Angélil was not just her husband but the mastermind behind her soaring career, and his passing left a profound void in Dion’s life.

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil during The 22nd Annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on January 30, 1995 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil during The 22nd Annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on January 30, 1995 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The couple’s remarkable love story began when Dion was a mere 12 years old and Angélil, 26 years her senior, took on a pivotal role in both her burgeoning career and later, her personal life.

“I started to know René when I was 12 years old,” Dion revealed, highlighting the deep respect and love that formed the foundation of their relationship.

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Céline Dion and René Angelil pictured on March 1, 1988 | Source: Getty Images

Céline Dion and René Angelil pictured on March 1, 1988 | Source: Getty Images

During that period, he worked on turning her into one of the best vocalists that the world has come to know today. Dion disclosed that in the beginning she did not write songs, could not read music nor play an instrument. However, because she had Angélil as her manager, he ensured she was surrounded by influential people.

Céline Dion and René Angelil pictured on March 1, 1988 | Source: Getty Images

Céline Dion and René Angelil pictured on March 1, 1988 | Source: Getty Images

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The pair first met when Angélil asked young Dion to sing for him in his office, leaving him emotional. The superstar, who her mother accompanied at the time, shared that her future manager became a part of the family from that moment onwards.

Rene Angelil and Celine Dion at The 2nd Annual Blockbuster Awards on March 6, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Rene Angelil and Celine Dion at The 2nd Annual Blockbuster Awards on March 6, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Two years later, Dion burst onto the music scene thanks to Angélil, taking the world by storm. While rising to superstardom, Dion also developed an affection for her future spouse, admitting she used to sleep with his picture under a pillow.

“But I never dared tell him that I dreamed of him every night,” the star revealed in her memoir “Celine Dion: My Story, My Dream.”

Celine Dion at M.I.D.E.M in Cannes on January 22, 1996 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion at M.I.D.E.M in Cannes on January 22, 1996 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

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At the time, the Canadian music producer’s marriage was said to be on the verge of collapse and this gave Dion the courage to fall for him even more, but secretly.

It wasn’t until April 1988 that she made her feelings known after winning a TV singing competition in Dublin. “I threw myself into his arms. Later that night, I was seated at the head of the bed, legs folded under the covers. I was happy about being alone with the man I loved,” Dion penned.

Rene Angelil and Celine Dion during the 38th Annual Grammy Awards on February 28, 1996 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Rene Angelil and Celine Dion during the 38th Annual Grammy Awards on February 28, 1996 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

After keeping their romance a secret, Dion and Angélil revealed they were a couple four years later. Despite their significant age difference and the ensuing public gaze, their relationship blossomed into a profound love story, highlighted by a grandiose wedding in 1994.

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The duo’s new life together was also marked by both professional milestones and personal challenges, including Angélil’s health struggles. The talent manager was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on a lymph gland, a type of cancer in his neck in 1999.

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Celine Dion and Rene Angelil during The 25th Annual People's Choice Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on January 10, 1999 in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil during The 25th Annual People’s Choice Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on January 10, 1999 in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

The couple’s journey to parenthood, despite Angélil’s diagnosis and treatment for cancer, underscored their unwavering bond and shared commitment. The two became first-time parents when they welcomed their eldest son, René-Charles, in January 2001.

Celine Dion, Rene-Charles and Rene Angelil during the Christening of Rene-Charles on July 25, 2001 in Canada. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion, Rene-Charles and Rene Angelil during the Christening of Rene-Charles on July 25, 2001 in Canada. | Source: Getty Images

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Dion and Angélil expanded their family several years later by welcoming fraternal twin sons, Nelson and Eddy in October 2010. After becoming parents for the second and third time, the couple faced yet another health battle.

Celine Dion, Nelson Dion Angelil, Eddy Dion Angelil, Rene Angelil and Rene-Charles Dion Angelil arrive at Caesars Palace on February 16, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion, Nelson Dion Angelil, Eddy Dion Angelil, Rene Angelil and Rene-Charles Dion Angelil arrive at Caesars Palace on February 16, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Dion, demonstrating the depth of her love and commitment, paused her illustrious career to support Angélil through his health battles. In 2020, she postponed her Las Vegas residency and canceled her Asia tour including several other work-related engagements to be by his side.

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This was after Angélil had a tumor removed from his throat. His condition led to a very challenging and stressful period in the couple’s life.

“I want to devote every ounce of my strength and energy to my husband’s healing, and to do so, it’s important for me to dedicate this time to him and to our children,” Dion expressed in a statement at the time, while thanking fans for their love and immense support.

Rene Angelil and Celine Dion arrive at the "Veronic Voices" premiere at Bally's Las Vegas on June 28, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Rene Angelil and Celine Dion arrive at the “Veronic Voices” premiere at Bally’s Las Vegas on June 28, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

After a year hiatus, Dion returned to the stage and opened up about caring for her ailing spouse during that period. Angélil had undergone several procedures at Boston hospitals by that time and was based at the couple’s Las Vegas home after being on a feeding tube for two years.

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In a candid August 2015 interview, Dion revealed they had asked doctors how long Angélil had to live but they would not give them a clear answer. Her husband wanted to know.

Rene Angelil photographed leaving a hotel on November 13, 2013 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Rene Angelil photographed leaving a hotel on November 13, 2013 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

“I’ll say, ‘You’re scared? I understand. Talk to me about it.'” “And René says to me, ‘I want to die in your arms.’ OK, fine, I’ll be there, you’ll die in my arms,” Dion recounted the lovebirds’ conversations in his final days.

Angélil sadly passed away in January 2016 at age 73, just two days shy of his 74th birthday. Four months later, his beloved wife spoke candidly about their last moments together during an interview on “Good Morning America.”

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“I saw him suffer, and that is the worst,” Dion recalled. The five-time Grammy Award winner added that though she does not live with him physically, he still lives inside of her.

The mother of three shared that she told her love to go in peace and not to worry. She told him that she and their kids would be okay once he passed on.

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil attend the "BAMBI Awards 2012" at the Stadthalle Duesseldorf on November 22, 2012 in Duesseldorf, Germany. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil attend the “BAMBI Awards 2012” at the Stadthalle Duesseldorf on November 22, 2012 in Duesseldorf, Germany. | Source: Getty Images

Following Angélil’s passing, Dion’s close relationship with a colleague sparked rumors of a new love interest. However, Dion has clarified the nature of their relationship, emphasizing that he serves as a confidante and friend rather than a romantic partner.

“He’s my best friend,” Dion explained in an April 2022 interview, dispelling rumors and sharing the significant role he has played in her life in the years since her husband’s death.

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She further revealed that the man mistaken to be her romantic partner is in actual fact, a gay man. Dion acknowledged that people might not have been aware of his sexuality.

“He did so much for me, even just holding my hand. It’s something that I haven’t had for a long time, a hug from a 6’3’’ man…It was wonderful,” the music superstar said of her relations with her pal.

The backup dancer pictured leaving a hotel at Royal Monceau on July 20, 2017 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

The backup dancer pictured leaving a hotel at Royal Monceau on July 20, 2017 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

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She further explained that people sincerely believed they were romantically involved while adding how much of an impact her good friend has had in her life. “He did so much for me, for my mental health, my spirituality, my strength… my inner strength,” she admitted.

Social media users have commented on Dion’s love life on X (formerly known as Twitter) over the years. In January 2019, one person wrote, “She is allowed for her heart to go on!…”

Celine Dion and her fashion illustrator attend the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019 2020 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 1, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and her fashion illustrator attend the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019 2020 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 1, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

“I really hope she finds love again. Happy she has a good friend to lean on,” said someone else. Another penned, “Love you Celine, be happy. Your wonderful hubby would want that for you.”

The man rumored to be dating Dion is Pepe Muñoz, who became her backup dancer in 2017. Muñoz was first discovered in 2003 at age 19 when he danced on the sidewalk for tips in Madrid.

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Celine Dion and Pepe Munoz seen leaving the GIVENCHY office building on Avenue George V on January 24, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and Pepe Munoz seen leaving the GIVENCHY office building on Avenue George V on January 24, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Pepe Munoz and Celine Dion attend the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Pepe Munoz and Celine Dion attend the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

After that, he was cast in the Spanish production of the Broadway musical, “Cats.” Muñoz, who is also an illustrator, recalled in a July 2017 interview that although he did not sing, he agreed to audition either way and even bagged the role.

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Pepe Munoz and Celine Dion attend the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Pepe Munoz and Celine Dion attend the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Since that experience, he has gone on to make a name for himself in international theater. Muñoz has appeared in productions such as “Dirty Dancing,” and “West Side Story.”

Celine Dion and Pepe Munoz attend the RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and Pepe Munoz attend the RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

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In June 2023, Muñoz posted a black-and-white image of himself wearing only black pants without a shirt on Instagram. His followers gushed about his looks in the comments section. “Beautiful!” commented one follower. Another stated, “Photogenic!” While someone else said, “Gorgeous,” on Muñoz’s social media upload.

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Despite the ongoing curiosity about her personal life, Dion remains focused on her family, career, and personal well-being. She previously revealed that she was not ready for a relationship when asked about it in a 2019 interview.

Pepe Munoz and Celine Dion attend the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Pepe Munoz and Celine Dion attend the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

“I don’t know. I have no idea,” she said. “But right this second, love is so big right now in my life, with my kids, with life itself. I’m not thinking about a relationship and falling in love again. I don’t. Do I have to say that it will never happen anymore? I don’t know. I don’t know.”

Celine Dion and Pepe Munoz attend the Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Celine Dion and Pepe Munoz attend the Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2019 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

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Dion, who made headlines after presenting Taylor Swift with an award, continues to cherish her fans’ support while honoring Angélil’s memory through her devotion to their children and her career. On the fifth anniversary of her late husband’s death, the businesswoman paid a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram, alongside a close-up photo of the couple holding hands.

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“René, it’s been 5 years already… There’s not one day that we don’t think about you. […] You are in our hearts and in our lives forever. We love you, Celine, René-Charles, Nelson, and Eddy xx…” Dion captioned her post.

Eights months after Angélil’s death, her beloved wife reflected on their decades-long romance, revealing that he was the only man that she had ever kissed.

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“I never kissed another man in my life. So the man of my life was my partner, and we were one,” she divulged. Dion admitted she is still in love with the father of her kids, whom she was married to for 21 years and deemed “the greatest man” in the world.

In discussing her relationship with Muñoz, Dion offered a reflection on finding support and companionship in the most unexpected places. The public’s interest in her personal life endures, yet it is her own words that provide the most genuine insight into her journey through love, loss, and perseverance.

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