A key venue in the story of Rene Angelil and Celine Dion will host Angelil's funeral next week.
A visitation for Angelil will take place Thursday and his funeral will occur Friday afternoon at Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica, where he and Dion were married 21 years ago.
The premier's office confirmed Friday evening that Angelil would receive a national funeral. The Quebec flag that flies atop the National Assembly's central tower will be lowered to half-mast during the ceremony.
A national funeral takes place in honour of someone who had an illustrious career in the political, cultural or social realms.
Angelil, who was 73, died of cancer at home in Las Vegas Thursday morning. He was first diagnosed with the disease in the late 90s.
Barry Garber, a successful manager, agent and producer in his own right, met Angelil and Dion years ago and helped them get their production company off the ground and worked with them until they moved to Las Vegas.
“I feel like we've lost someone who is irreplaceable, one of a kind, a grand, grand, grand, gentleman and a gentleman above all else. There was no one like him, I don’t think the country hasn’t seen a figure quite like Rene in terms of artist management, and not only this country. I think in the past 20 years there hasn't been another artist manager quite like him. He’s unique and he stands alone,” he said.
TV personality Sonia Benezra has interviewed Angelil and Dion many times and said she was saddened by the news.
"She will honour his memory. She performed this year in Vegas at his request, she didn't need to do that, we know they don't need the money. She did it because he wanted her to do it, So I'm sure she will continue honouring him with things that he wanted for her," she said.
Politicians, fellow musicians and fans all took to Twitter to express their condolences to Dion and pay tribute to Angelil, a titan in the Quebec and Canadian entertainment industry.
My condolences to @CelineDion, and to the children, friends and loved ones of René Angélil on his passing.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 14, 2016
Sharon and I are saddened by the passing of René Angelil. Our condolences to @CelineDion, their children and relatives. He was a visionary.
— David Johnston (@GGDavidJohnston) January 14, 2016
René Angélil, un homme que nous avons appris à connaître, à apprécier, à admirer et surtout à aimer! https://t.co/clEjSgRfK8 @celinedion
— Philippe Couillard (@phcouillard) January 14, 2016
Décès René Angélil 73ans Monument du monde du spectacle nous a quitté Un grand Québécois qui n'a jamais oublié ses racines et les siens #RIP
— DenisCoderre (@DenisCoderre) January 14, 2016
RIP Rene Angélil, great friend & human being!The world will take @celinedion &ur boys into its arms & continue 2 love & care 4 them 4 U.��❤️
— Gloria Estefan (@GloriaEstefan) January 14, 2016
My heart and so many prayers go out to the sweet @celinedion She has the biggest heart that I'm sure is broken R.I.P. Rene' #RIPRene
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) January 14, 2016
Un moment de silence au Centre Bell à la mémoire de René Angélil. / A moment of silence in memory of Rene Angelil. pic.twitter.com/44EgsSXdZ3
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 15, 2016
A Beautful Couple.. A Beautiful Love Story #RIPRene #CelineDion pic.twitter.com/VfW77H7dsE
— Amy Lynne (@Amy14354) January 15, 2016
The visitation, which is public, will take place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Basilica. The funeral will take place the following day at 3 p.m.
Another ceremony will take place at the Caesars Palace Colosseum Feb. 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
