Their Relationship Survived Against the Odds
In 1999, René was diagnosed with throat cancer, and Céline opted to take time away from performing in order to be his caretaker while he went through cancer treatment. She still had some obligations she needed to fulfil, however, and there were concerts that Céline performed that René could not be present at. Nonetheless, he was able to recover, and was at Céline’s concert on the 31st of December, 1999.
Celine Has Had to Punish Tabloids for Spreading Rumors about Her
While René was battling cancer, a tabloid called The National Enquirer released an article, claiming that Céline was actually pregnant with twins. She opted to sue the tabloid for defamation and won $20 million in the case. The National Enquirer apologized for the article, and went on to donate money to the American Cancer Society out of respect for René’s struggle at the time and to make amends with the couple.