It took almost a week, but Celine Dion, 42, and husband, Rene Angelil, 68, have finally announced the names of their fraternal twin boys born by caesarean section at St. Mary’s in Florida last Saturday October 23: Eddy and Nelson.
Eddy is named after Eddy Marnay, the songwriter who produced Dion’s first five records and “was like a father to” Celine, having “a major influence in both Celine and Rene’s lives,” while Nelson is named after Nelson Mandela, because Dion and Angélil "were impressed by" the leader when they met him in February 2008 at the start of Dion’s Taking Chances Tour.
Interestingly, Nelson Eddy also happens to be the name of a famous American singer and movie star who appeared in 19 musical films during the 1930s and 1940s. A classically trained baritone, he is best remembered for the eight films in which he co-starred with soprano Jeanette MacDonald.
During an interview with Canadian TV host Julie Snyder, Dion revealed the names to the world, and that at one point during an ultrasound, the doctors announced she was pregnant with triplets. Unfortunately, one died, “leaving room for the other two,” said the singer.
Dion also talked about her upcoming show in Las Vegas, which will feature special effects and an orchestra of thirty musicians.