Celine Dion’s older brother, Daniel, has died of cancer, two days after husband Rene Angelil also died.

Daniel Dion, 59, died on January 16 near Montreal, a statement by Celine Dion’s spokeswoman said.

Celine Dion’s family paid tribute to the father-of-two, calling him “a gentle and reserved man of many talents”.

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The singer’s husband and former manager, Rene Angelil, died on January 14 aged 73.

Rene Angelil’s death in Las Vegas came after two bouts with throat cancer.

Daniel Dion was the eighth of 14 children, and performed with his siblings in their parents’ piano bar in Quebec province.

He had been suffering cancer of the throat, tongue and brain, his sister Claudette told the Journal de Montreal newspaper.

“He was ready, and isn’t suffering anymore,” she said.

“He was at peace.”

The funeral of Rene Angelil, who helped to launch Celine Dion’s career, will be held on January 22 in the Notre Dame basilica in Montreal, where the couple married.