Only days after the passing of Celine Dion's husband René Angélil (73), the music icon's older brother Daniel, one of her 13 siblings, has also passed away from cancer.

Daniel had been "battling brain, tongue and throat cancer, according to his sister Claudette," Billboard reports via TMZ. He died early Saturday morning at the age of 59. Daniel is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren.

A statement released regarding his passing reads, "His last days were in the wonderful care of the doctors and personnel at Maison Adhémar-Dion, a palliative care center in Terrebonne Québec. For those wishing to send flowers, a donation to that organization would be very much appreciated." A tribute will be held in Quebec on January 23, with the private funeral to take place at St-Simon-et-Jude a few days later.

You can read the official obituary below:

Battling cancer for a few years, it's in the uttermost discretion and surrounded by his family that Daniel Dion, 59, died today, January 16. He was the eighth child of Thérèse and Adhémar Dion, brother of Céline.

 

In sadness and grief, he leaves a large family headed by their mother, Thérèse Tanguay-Dion; his daughters Valérie (Patrick Goyette) and Marie-Michelle; his grandchildren Matis and Laurianne (Valérie); his brothers and sisters Denise (Yvon Dodier), Clément (Denise Dumont), Claudette (Serge Gaudet) Liette (Guy Poirier) Michel (Danièle Corbeil), Louise (Pierre Tremblay), Jacques (Geneviève Garceau), Ghislaine (Jacques Talbot), Linda (Alain Sylvestre), Manon, Paul, Pauline (Marc Martel) and Céline (René Angélil). As well as many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, who are remembering a gentle and reserved man of many talents.

 

Tribute will be paid at Salon Charles Rajotte in Repentigny, Saturday January 23 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A few days later, a religious funeral will take place at St-Simon-et-Jude, in Charlemagne Québec, where the family was raised.

 

His last days were in the wonderful care of the doctors and personnel at Maison Adhémar-Dion, a palliative care center in Terrebonne Québec. For those wishing to send flowers, a donation to that organization would be very much appreciated.

 

Taking in consideration the reserved character of their deceased brother, the family wishes respect and discretion from the media.

The news of Daniel's passing is particularly shocking and sad as it comes just two days after the news of Dion's beloved husband's tragic death. Angélil had been battling cancer on and off for over 15 years since his initial diagnosis in 1999.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Celine and her family during this difficult time.

See Photos of Celine Dion Throughout the Years

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