Celine Dion’s Husband Passes Away-Cancer

René Angélil, husband of Céline Dion, has died, his rep confirmed exclusively to PEOPLE on Thursday.

"Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer," the rep said in a statement. "The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment."

Angélil, who guided Dion's career as her manager and mentor, is survived by the couple's three children – René-Charles, 14, and 5-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy – as well as Anne-Marie, Patrick and Jean-Pierre, his adult children from previous marriages. (Deathbeeper.com)