Dion ecstatic over pregnancy

Dion has been wanting to start a family for some time

Singer Celine Dion has confirmed that she and her husband/manager Renee Angelil are expecting their first child.

The 32-year-old Canadian star ended speculation sparked off by a recent visit to a New York fertility clinic by releasing a letter to fans.

Dion, famous for hits such as My Heart Will Go On from the movie Titanic, said she and Angelil were "completely, totally happy" at the news.

We know how fragile this new life is but but we know that whatever happens, life has already won

Celine Dion

"The dream dearest to our hearts has come true and we thank God for the great joy we've been given," she added.

Dion, who started a three-year break from her singing career on 31 December, underwent two small operations two weeks ago at the fertility clinic.

The surgery was carried out in order to improve her chances of becoming pregnant and so fulfil her dream of having a child with her husband.

All clear

Angelil, 58, was operated on for throat cancer last year. Dion said in her statement that they had been through a "terrible test together, but made it through stronger, closer, more loving than ever".

Dion and Angelil renewed their marriage vows

However, she said that Angelil had recently gone through some "major tests that all came back negative".

She added: "The man of my life, my whole life, was seriously ill. He could have thrown in the towel, given up and let our happiness die. But instead of giving up, he chose to fight with all his might.

"In three weeks, if all goes well, we'll hear the heart of our baby, beating inside of my tummy. We know how fragile this new life is but we know that whatever happens, life has already won."

Angelil has managed Dion's career since she began singing as a teenager in her rural hometown of Charlemagne near Montreal.

The couple married in Montreal in 1994. They renewed their marriage vows in January at a lavish Caesar's Palace ceremony in Las Vegas.

Their baby is due in March.