Celine Dion's husband Rene Angelil dies aged 73

Celine Dion with her husband Rene Angelil, who has died after a long battle with cancer. Photo / AP

Celine Dion's husband Rene Angelil has died at 73.

The singer released a statement to People magazine which read: "Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning as his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer.

"The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time."

Angelil was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999 and it returned several times.

In March last year, a tearful Dion revealed her husband was no longer able to eat and was getting all of his meals through a tube.

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil with their children in 2011. Photo / Getty

She said: "He can't use his mouth. He can't eat so I feed him. He's got a feeding tube. I have to feed him three times a day. I do this myself. So I feed my husband, then I feed my kids."

By August, Dion said her husband's final wish was to be with the singer when he passed away.

Rene Angelil and Celine Dion at the Oscars in 2011. Photo / Getty

Recalling their conversation, she said: "I'll say, 'You're scared? I understand. Talk to me about it.'

"And René says to me, 'I want to die in your arms.' OK, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms'."

Celine took a break from her residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino returned to the stage on August 27 at her husband's insistence.

- Daily Mail