Celine Dion | Nelson Angélil | Source: Instagram.com/celinedion | Source: Getty Images
When Celine Dion told the world of her rare disease, fans grew worrisome for the singer. Dion continues to fight for her health, motivated by her kids, including Nelson Angélil, who lost his father at age five.
Nelson Angélil is one-half of Celine Dion's twin boys, born prematurely in October 2010 at St. Mary's Medical Center, Florida.
After several rounds of in vitro fertilization, Nelson and his twin, Eddie, were both born weighing a little over five pounds. At that time, Dion and her husband, Rene Angélil, were already parents to a nine-year-old, Rene Charles.
Celine Dion and Nelson Angelil at Caesars Palace February 16, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Fortunately, despite his premature birth, Nelson grew up to be a healthy child, raised by Celion Dion and her spouse, who both love him unconditionally.
Nelson Angélil Was Named After "Extraordinary Human" Nelson Mandela
Dion and Rene took their time before announcing their son's name to the public. The proud couple named their son after South African activist Nelson Mandela, who Dion had met years prior. A representative of the pair said:
"Rene said that in just the few minutes they were able to spend with him, they were impressed by the human being [that] he is."
The couple met the peace icon after Dion's "Taking Chances World Tour" in Johannesburg and highly praised Mandela. According to the "My Heart Will Go On" songstress, Mandela was a man of compassion and kindness who she will forever cherish despite their brief meeting.
Dion initially wanted French names for her fraternal twins, although her firstborn, Rene Charles, wanted American nicknames.
Nelson Angélil Is Mature for His Age & a Cornerstone of Support to His Mom
In December 2022, Nelson's mom announced her rare health condition, stiff person syndrome. The autoimmune disease causes the singer to have uncontrollable muscle spasms that significantly change her daily activities.
Celine Dion, Rene-Charles Angelil, Eddy Angelil and Nelson Angelil during the State Funeral Service for Rene Angelil at Notre-Dame Basilica on January 22, 2016, in Montreal, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, Nelson's mom could not use her vocal cords the same way, so she needed to cancel her European concerts. Dion is currently being monitored by a team of specialists, while her boys have been a constant source of support.
A source revealed that Nelson, who is said to be mature for his age, and her other kids had been her "rock" amidst the singer's condition. "It came as a shock, but she's lost none of her fighting spirits," the insider added.
Nelson Angélil Reminds His Mom of Late Dad, Who He Lost at Five
It is not the first time Nelson experienced seeing a parent struggle with their health. Previously, Nelson's father, Rene, battled throat cancer and succumbed to the terrible illness. Nelson was only five when his dad died at their Henderson home on January 16, 2016. He was 73 years old.
Rene was Celine Dion's manager before they became husband and wife in 1994. They met when she was only 12 years old, and despite their 26-year age gap, their love progressed years later.
His dying wish was to take his last breath in her arms. Sadly, Celine Dion had a performance when Rene passed away and was not able to grant his last wish, which she regrets every day.
Every year on his death anniversary, Dion shares a sweet tribute to commemorate her husband, noting that not a single day goes by without him in her mind.
Although years have passed, Dion still feels incredibly lucky to have been with a man like Rene. Through Nelson, she is reminded of her husband as he resembles him in more ways than one.
In 2020, the award-winning artist credited Nelson for bringing happiness and love into her life. "You make me, your big brother and your Dad, who is for sure watching over you, so very proud," she said.
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