Celine Dion Pays Emotional Tribute to Rene Angelil During Gala Event: 'Rene Always Thought of Others Before He

Celine Dion paid an emotional tribute to her late husband and manager, René Angélil, while accepting an award in his honor at the ADISQ Gala in Montreal, Canada on Sunday.

Dion performed “Avec le Temps” (meaning “with time”), a French song with moving lyrics which no doubt reflected her grief. “With the time everything is going away, we forget the face and we forget the voice,” the GRAMMY-winner belted out in French.

WATCH: Celine Dion Dedicates Emotional Performance to Late Husband René Angélil

The mom of three also addressed the crowd, after being presented with the honorary Felix award. Walking onto stage to a standing ovation, the songstress saluted Angélil’s passion for the music industry in her acceptance speech.

“[He was] not only one of the greatest visionaries of the Quebec music industry. He was also one of the biggest fans of musical artists that ever existed,” the 48-year-old star said. “He had an immense respect for people who had that passion.… René always thought of others before he thought of himself.”

After the gala, Dion opened up about the “touching” tribute. “Of course it was a great honor for me to receive trophies over the years, but to be here to receive a trophy that’s not for me, that’s even more touching,” the 48-year-old singer said to members of the press backstage. “He’s not physically present, but I’m sure he’s here tonight. I don’t think he missed any of this, and I’m sure he’s very proud.”

WATCH: Celine Dion Says René Angélil Is the Only Man She Has Ever Kissed

Ginette Reno, who worked with Angélil early on in his career, also performed at the event.

See the “Falling Into You” singer open up about her great love in the video below.