Celine Dion puts career on hold to care for ill husband

Celine Dion has cancelled a number of live shows in order to care for her husband.

The veteran singer confirmed in a Facebook post that she is putting her career on hold as René Angélil fights cancer.

The 72-year-old had an operation in December, but Dion's statement said it has been "very difficult and stressful" to juggle her career and care for her family since the surgery.

As a result, the Canadian has cancelled planned dates in Las Vegas and Asia.

Dion said in a statement: "I want to devote every ounce of my strength and energy to my husband's healing, and to do so, it's important for me to dedicate this time to him and to our children. I also want to apologise to all my fans everywhere, for inconveniencing them, and I thank them so much for their love and support."

The singer has three children with Angélil - 13-year-old René-Charles Angelil and three-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson.

Watch Celine Dion perform live below: