René was the only man I ever kissed, the only man I ever truly loved. Our love story began when I was just 12 years old, and he was 38. There was a 26-year age difference between us, yet from the moment we met, something deep and undeniable connected us.
It was in 1981, when I was just starting to dream of a music career, that René first heard one of my demos. So moved by what he heard, he made the selfless decision to mortgage his house to finance my first album.
Little did either of us know at the time that this gesture would be the foundation of my career, long before I achieved the $500 million fortune I have today.
Our relationship, both personal and professional, lasted for 21 beautiful years. Together, we had three children. René was the only man with whom I ever shared a romantic and intimate bond.
He was my partner in every sense of the word—supporting, loving, and guiding me through the highs and lows of life and career.
René passed away in January 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Since his death, I have never sought out another love. I still love him deeply.
I carry him with me every day, finding love in my children, my fans, and the people who stand by my side. But as for romantic love, he will always be the one I cherished above all.
When I go to sleep, I imagine him beside me.
Even on stage, I feel his presence with me—guiding me, supporting me, just as he always did. I am still, in a way, married to him, bound by the love we shared and the life we built together. It’s a love that transcends time and death, and I will always carry it in my heart.