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Montreal - Hundreds lined up for hours in frigid weather outside a Montreal church on Thursday to pay their respects to Rene Angelil, the husband and longtime manager of Canadian singer Celine Dion who died last week.
Angelil's funeral is scheduled for Friday at the Notre-Dame Basilica, where the couple were wed in 1994.
Dressed in a black veil and gown, her hair in a bun, with her eldest son Rene-Charles at her side, Dion received condolences from relatives, senior politicians and others, as fans filed past Angelil's open coffin.
Outside the church, a giant portrait of Angelil greeted mourners.
Therese Dion, mother of singer Celine Dion, leaves Notre-Dame Basilica during the visitation for her son-in-law Rene Angelil. (AP)
A number of celebrities are expected to attend the funeral for the man credited with transforming Dion into an international superstar.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard ordered provincial flags lowered to half mast and offered a national funeral for the show business impresario, an honour reserved for Quebecers who have made a significant contribution to the arts.
Anne-Marie Angelil, daughter of Rene Angelil, leaves with her husband Marc Dupre, during the public visitation for her father. (AP)
Rene Angelil died of cancer at the couple's home in Las Vegas on 14 January. He was 73.
