Thérèse Dion aka “Maman Dion” well deserved nickname for the mother of 14 children which Céline was the youngest. Originally the husband Adhemar didn’t want any children. The story goes that due to the already high number of children the couple thought of not having their 14th child when finding out about the pregnancy. Céline was named after the song of Hugues Aufray.
She was the one writing Céline’s first song Ce n’était qu’une rêve which was sent to René Angelil in the early 80′s. The rest we know is history.
Céline was close to her parents and dedicated multiple songs to her mother such as Tellment j’ai d’amour pour toi (1982) and Celle qui m’a tout appris (2013). Adhemar Dion passed away in 2003.
Thérèse was even accompanying her daughter during her Taking Chances Tour in 2008. She stood by her side a few years ago when René passed away (+ losing Céline’s brother to the same type of cancer in the same time). In Québec she was a known television personality since her own cooking program.
She died in Montréal surrounded by her family including Céline who’s currently on World Tour to promote her new album Courage. Telling each other stories and singing songs they said their goodbyes. Last night Céline a true professional and dedicated to her audience sang live in Miami as scheduled.
Last Mother’s day Céline wrote beautifully of her mother: “Now more than ever, I realize the importance of a mother's role. Not only did you give me life, but you also wrote my destiny. I love you mom."
I wish all the strenthg and courage in the world to Céline and her family. - Courage, don't you dare fail me now..