Celine Dion's husband wants to ''die in her arms''.

The 'My Heart Will Go On' hitmaker's 73-year-old husband René Angélil is battling throat cancer and his final wish is to be with the singer when he passes away.

Recalling their conversation, she said: ''I'll say, 'You're scared? I understand. Talk to me about it.'

''And René says to me, 'I want to die in your arms.' OK, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms.''

However, on his instructions, she has returned to Las Vegas for her residency despite it ''freaking'' him out when she's not at home with him.

She added to USA Today: ''Don't forget, he's been the leader of the band all my life. So it [hacks] him off to not see me all day and over here working. But he wants me to do this, do the show, do the interviews. But he freaks when I'm not home with him, too ...

''I didn't want to be here at first, I don't need it. Don't get me wrong, I love singing for people, but I have priorities. But René really gave me a gift.

''All my grieving, it was during this last year. I think I've got this. For now. When it hits me, it's going to hit me. But my biggest job is to tell my husband, we're fine. I'll take care of our kids. You'll watch us from another spot.''