Celine Dion sat down for a vulnerable interview with Today on Wednesday (Sept. 18), where she discussed her upcoming album, Courage, and finding that courage following the 2016 death of her husband René Angélil.
The record is out Nov. 15, and it’s her first English album in six years–making it the first without Angélil. “When I say, ‘without René’ it’s without René physically, because René will always be part of me,” she explained.
“Courage was representing the whole losing my husband, losing my manager, my kids losing their father and to find the strength to keep going because I wanted to,” she continued, before adding that her late love is always in the back of her mind.
“Before I talk, he goes through my mind,” she said on Today. ‘Would he do that? Is it too edgy? Would he be approving that?’ I believed in him so much and I still do.”
“But there’s a point that he’s not here anymore. I have to take charge of my life.”
And while she isn’t “ready to date,” the icon revealed that she still craves romance. “I’m very lucky and happy to have people in my surrounding to make me laugh,” she said. “I miss to be touched. I miss to be hugged. I miss to be told, ‘You’re beautiful.’ I miss what a boyfriend and I miss what a husband would do.”
The interview comes following the release of Dion’s three new singles, “Laying Down,” “Imperfections” and the title track. Watch it in full below.
“I was born for this.” Watch @celinedion’s full exclusive interview with @sheinellejones about her new album, first tour since losing her husband three years ago and more. pic.twitter.com/xZvkoTxhSf
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 18, 2019