Céline Dion's Husband René Angélil Has Died 'After a Long and Courageous Battle Against Throat Cancer

 

René Angélil, husband of Céline Dion, has died, his rep confirmed exclusively to PEOPLE on Thursday.

"Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer," the rep said in a statement. "The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment."

Angélil, who guided Dion's career as her manager and mentor, is survived by the couple's three children – René-Charles, 14, and 5-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy – and his adult children from a previous relationship, Anne-Marie, Patrick and Jean-Pierre.

Céline Dion's Husband René Angélil Has Died 'After a Long and Courageous Battle Against Cancer'| Cancer, Celine Dion, Rene Angelil

Angélil battled three bouts of cancer.
 

"We have asked [doctors] many times, how long does he have, three weeks, three months? René wants to know," Dion said in a candid interview with the USA TODAY" in August. "But they say they don't know."

The "My Heart Will Go On" singer added that she promised to keep Angélil's dying wish.

"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.' Okay, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms."

And the singer said she would keep a brave face until the end.

"You can have your shaking knees at the end, but when someone you love falls and needs help, it's not time to cry," she said. "Afterwards, sure. But not yet."