Celine Dion Pays Tribute to Late Husband's Friend Rodger Brulotte

The singer mourned the passing of the beloved Canadian baseball broadcaster and close friend of her late husband René Angélil.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:20pm

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Celine Dion took to social media to pay tribute to Rodger Brulotte, a Canadian baseball broadcaster and close friend of her late husband René Angélil, who passed away on March 20 at the age of 79. Dion shared a photo of Brulotte and Angélil together, noting that the two were longtime friends who shared a passion for golf.

Why it matters

Brulotte was a legendary figure in Canadian sports broadcasting, known for his enthusiastic commentary and signature catchphrase "Bonsoir, elle est partie!" during Montreal Expos games. His passing marks the end of an era for French-Canadian baseball fans, and Dion's tribute highlights the close personal connection between Brulotte and her late husband.

The details

Brulotte's broadcasting career with the Montreal Expos began in 1969 as a scout, before he moved into public relations and joined the broadcast booth in 1984. He was beloved for his engaging personality and iconic catchphrase, which he first used during a 1983 game in San Diego. Brulotte later moved to TVA Sports and began commentating on Toronto Blue Jays games in French. He was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his spine in 2025 and passed away on March 20, 2026 at the age of 79.

  • Brulotte's broadcasting career with the Montreal Expos began in 1969.
  • Brulotte joined the Expos' broadcast booth in 1984.
  • Brulotte first used his signature catchphrase "Bonsoir, elle est partie!" in 1983.
  • Brulotte was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his spine in 2025.
  • Brulotte passed away on March 20, 2026 at the age of 79.

The players

Celine Dion

A Canadian singer and the widow of René Angélil, who was a close friend of Rodger Brulotte.

René Angélil

Celine Dion's late husband, who was a close friend of Rodger Brulotte.

Rodger Brulotte

A Canadian baseball broadcaster, best known for his work with the Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays, who passed away on March 20, 2026 at the age of 79.

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What they’re saying

“Rodger Brulotte's passing saddens me deeply. René and I met him on several occasions, and it was always a pleasure.”

— Celine Dion

“René and Rodger were longtime friends and shared a passion for golf. We have lost a truly great journalist, and I wish to offer my most sincere condolences to his partner, Pascale, as well as to his entire family and loved ones.”

— Celine Dion

“Bonsoir..." Rodger Brulotte has departed. One of Quebec's most recognizable voices and most beloved personalities has passed away.”

— TVA Sports

The takeaway

Celine Dion's heartfelt tribute to Rodger Brulotte, a close friend of her late husband René Angélil, highlights the lasting impact of the beloved Canadian baseball broadcaster and the deep personal connections he fostered throughout his career.