On the occasion of Mother’s Day, celebrated this Sunday, May 10 in several countries, Céline Dion shared a moving tribute to her late mother. While the singer’s words touched her admirers, a detail quickly sparked controversy.
On her social media accounts, Céline Dion posted a tender archival photo this Sunday, May 10, where she is smiling alongside her mother, Thérèse, who passed away on January 17, 2020 at the age of 92. In the caption, the artist expressed her gratitude towards the woman who shaped her life on Mother’s Day. “Mom, your strength, your tenderness, and your love have made me who I am,” she wrote, before mentioning the emotional legacy left by her mother to her own children, René-Charles, Nelson, and Eddy. The singer continued, “You remain with me discreetly, guiding my life and that of your grandchildren.” It was an intimate and sincere declaration highlighting how maternal love continues to be passed down through generations.
In the comments, many fans also paid tribute to the woman affectionately nicknamed “Maman Dion.” Several internet users shared memories or messages of support for the artist. “Always in our hearts, Maman Dion,” wrote one admirer. Another added, “Very nice message for your mom, Céline. She will always remain in our hearts.” Some testimonies were particularly touching. “I had the honor of being embraced by your mother one day, and I cried afterward,” shared an internet user, moved by the memory of that encounter.
However, quickly, emotions gave way to controversy. Several Quebecois and French-speaking subscribers strongly criticized the singer for choosing to pay tribute to her own mother in English, despite her being an emblematic figure of Quebecois Francophone culture. “Your mom spoke French,” bitterly remarked one internet user. “Can’t even write to her in French,” lamented another. For many internet users, the choice of language in such a personal message was not trivial. They believe that a tribute to Thérèse Tanguay-Dion should have naturally been written in French, the family’s heart language.
Context: Céline Dion shared a heartwarming tribute to her late mother on Mother’s Day, but her choice to write the tribute in English instead of French sparked controversy among fans. Fact check: Thérèse Tanguay-Dion, Céline Dion’s mother, passed away on January 17, 2020 at the age of 92.
