Celine Dion's unbelievable pre-show ritual will break your heart

Celine Dion shakes her late husband's hand "every night" before a concert.

The 49-year-old singer was devastated when René Angélil - the father of her sons Rene-Charles, 17, and seven-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy - died of cancer in 2016 but she's come up with ways to feel like he is still a part of her life, including a bronze replica of his hand that she keeps in her dressing room.

She told Australia's Stellar magazine: "I shake my husband's hand and knock on wood with him every night before every show.

"Even after he's gone, I still talk to him. I'm trying to prove to him every day I'm fine. Our kids are growing, we feel strong. We're good."

The My Heart Will Go On singer also revealed the seat Rene used to sit in at every one of her shows is still at the back of the soundstage at each of her concerts, suggesting he sat in the same position at all of her gigs to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Despite her heartbreak, Celine is feeling "sexy" again after embracing her passion for fashion.

She said "I've always loved fashion, but I thought after turning 30 or 40 if it's not happening with me and fashion, it's never going to happen.

"Well guess what? It's happening! It's never too late to feel good about yourself, never too late to be presented as a best-dressed woman.

"It's fun, it makes you feel really sexy and there's no age limit on that."

The 'Think Twice' hitmaker turns 50 next month but isn't planning a lavish celebration.

She said of her plans: "I'm going to make my birthday with my children; maybe go bowling, or go to the movies, or sit in bed watching the Disney Channel... I'll have my birthday my way, on a day off."

- Bang! Showbiz