Céline Dion is the youngest of 14 children born to her parents, Adhémar-Charles Dion and Thérèse Tanguay Dion. Though the family lived modestly in rural Québec, Céline often described her upbringing as overflowing with love, music, and the kind of closeness that shaped every part of her life—and ultimately, her career.

Both of her parents have since passed away: Adhémar in 2003, and Thérèse in 2020. But their influence lives on in Céline’s music, her values, and her deep sense of family.

A Childhood in a Tiny Home Filled With Love

Despite the family’s financial struggles, Céline remembers her childhood fondly. Their home was extremely small—so small that her mother often had to improvise beds for the children. “My mum was brilliant enough to put a pillow in a drawer for a baby to sleep in,” Dion told Vanity Fair in 2012.

She added, “We weren’t poor, but we never had money. We were given love and affection and support. What else did we need?”

With so many siblings, sharing beds wasn’t unusual. Music filled the Dion household, and Céline absorbed it all from the moment she could speak.

Thérèse Tanguay Dion: “Maman Dion”

Céline’s mother, Thérèse—affectionately known as “Maman Dion”—died at age 92 on January 17, 2020. The news was announced by Céline during her “Courage World Tour” stop in Miami.

“I must admit that I’m a little shaky today,” she told the crowd. “My legs are a little wobbly… my mom passed away early this morning.”

Thérèse had been ill for some time, and Céline reflected on spending her mother’s final evening at her bedside with her siblings, singing songs and sharing memories.

Music played a central role in Thérèse’s life. She played violin and even wrote Céline’s first song, “Ce n’était qu’un rêve” (“It Was Only a Dream”). With the help of Céline’s brother Jacques, Thérèse sent a cassette of the song to René Angélil, the manager who would later become Céline’s husband.

That moment changed Céline’s life forever. Thérèse recognized her daughter’s extraordinary voice long before the world did.

In a 2018 birthday tribute, Céline wrote, “You are an infinite source of comfort and inspiration. I love you.”

Adhémar-Charles Dion: The Quiet, Steady Force in Her Life

Céline’s father, Adhémar-Charles, died on November 30, 2003. He was known for his gentle nature, his devotion to family, and his role in nurturing Céline’s early musical interests.

In a 2019 tribute on X, Céline wrote:
“Papa, I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have had a dad like you. You will always be my #1 fan. I love you!”

The singer often shared how much she valued her father’s unconditional support. In 2018, she posted a photo of the two embracing, writing, “Papa, you would have been 95 years old today. I think of you and I love you.”

The Musical Foundation That Shaped a Superstar

Céline’s parents not only raised fourteen children—they created a home where music was a natural part of everyday life. The Dion family even formed a small musical group that played local concerts. Céline joined in from the time she was a toddler.

Her mother recognized her talent early and pushed her to dream big. Her father encouraged her every step of the way. Together, they helped launch one of the most iconic voices of our time.

As Céline prepares to share more of her story in her documentary I Am: Celine Dion, streaming on Prime Video, her childhood and her parents’ legacy offer a clear, heartfelt view into the roots of a global superstar who never forgot where she came from.