Celine Dion’s Las Vegas residency has been postponed, with her shows this weekend cancelled in the wake of the death of husband Rene Angelil.

The Canadian singer’s husband passed away on Thursday (January 14th), following a lengthy battle with cancer, at the age of 73. A statement appeared via Dion’s official website reading: “The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time.”

Rene Angelil Celine DionRene Angelil and Celine Dion pictured in 2013

As a result, two upcoming dates for Dion’s residency at Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino this weekend have been cancelled, with those purchasing tickets offered a full refund. She is next expected to take to the stage on February 23rd.

“With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that Celine performances Saturday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan. 17 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace have been cancelled. Celine earlier today announced the death of her husband Rene Angelil after a long fight with cancer. The couple had celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary last month,” the statement read on the venue's website. “All of us at AEG and at Caesars Palace have Celine and her children in our thoughts and prayers.”

More: Watch Celine Dion give an epic rendition of Adele’s ‘Hello’ at NYE show

Angelil, who was a music manager by profession and met Dion through working with her, was initially diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999, when she retired for two years to take care of him. In late 2013, the condition re-appeared and she cancelled all music activities to tend to him once again.

He is survived by Dion and their three children, Rene-Charles (14) and 5 year old twins Eddy and Nelson.

In an interview last March just before she returned to the stage, Dion had told People that her husband’s health issues had solidified their marriage. “It made us stronger,” she said. “He wants me to fly. He wants me to go. But at the same time, he needs me so much, and I really want to take care of him as well. When I stopped [performing], I wanted to just be a wife and a mother.”

More: Celine Dion opens up about her husband’s cancer battle and her return to the live stage