Celine Dion Pays Tribute to R&B Legend and Duet Partner Peabo Bryson
The Quebec singer wrote a heartfelt message saying she was "heartbroken" by the news of the passing of her former collaborator on June 3, with whom she sang the famous duet "Beauty and the Beast."
Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion
On June 2, the world lost Peabo Bryson, the award-winning R&B singer known for classic duets in Disney films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, after he suffered a stroke.
Celine Dion has shared a heartfelt message on X dedicated to the R&B singer, paying tribute to her former duet partner and collaborator. The pair famously worked together on the title track for the animated Disney film Beauty and the Beast, released in 1991.
"I’m heartbroken to hear that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance. He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded Beauty and the Beast. He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English. He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed," she said in her tribute.
"Beauty and the Beast" is one of the most widely renowned duets in history. The track won several awards including a Golden Globe and Academy Award for best original song, plus two Grammy awards for best song written for visual media and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals. The track was also a huge chart success, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and charting for 20 weeks in 1992.
Peabo Bryson's family confirmed to Billboard that Bryson peacefully passed away at 75 years old on the evening of June 2 after suffering a stroke. “We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come," the family shared in a statement.
Dion is currently preparing for her grand return onstage later this year with a concert residency at La Défense Arena in Paris. Earlier this week, she announced ten new concerts scheduled for May 2027 due to overwhelming demand.
