Celine Dion reacts to Prince’s version of “With This Tear”

Celine Dion has shared that it “feels truly special” to finally listen to Prince’s own recording of With This Tear.

The global star originally recorded the track for her 1992 self titled album, and now Prince’s version has been officially released to mark a decade since his passing, with his estate continuing to unveil music from his archive. Celine expressed her excitement at finally hearing his take on the song.

In a message posted on Instagram, she wrote: “ With This Tear was a gift from Prince that I will always treasure. I have carried this song with me for so many years.

“To now hear his version, shared for the very first time, feels truly special. Celine xx.”

A statement shared on Prince’s official Instagram account read: “With This Tear is out now. Listen at the link in bio. Recorded in 1991 at Paisley Park and newly mixed by Chris James, this track finds Prince in full command, writing, producing, and performing every note.

“Later recorded and released by Celine Dion, the song now returns in its original form.”

The release forms part of a wider series of tributes marking ten years since Prince’s death on April 21, 2016. Fans have been given opportunities to visit his iconic Paisley Park home and studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota, while organisers have also planned a candle light vigil, an exhibition, a concert film screening, and a meditation event.

Prince passed away at the age of 57 after being found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate. His death was later determined to be an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.

As part of interviews reflecting on his legacy, his cousin Charles ‘Chazz’ Smith, who was also the original drummer in Grand Central, spoke to The Guardian newspaper: “When he got famous he was flabbergasted that girls would drive all the way from places like Detroit to park outside his house, but he couldn’t wait to show me his room full of fan mail.

“I’m really happy with what he was able to accomplish, but I’m also sad because if he’d had a regular life he may still be here today. What if he didn’t have to take the whole world on from day one, or fight the record industry for the freedom to be himself?”

Chazz also reflected on the personal struggles Prince carried throughout his life: “From the 18 hour recording sessions to the dancing, he pushed himself to the absolute limit and I don’t think you ever get over losing a child (Amiir Nelson, who Prince had with his first wife Mayte Garcia, who died from Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 at six days old.)

“He had a lot on his shoulders for a very long time. People are gonna talk about the great things he did for a very long time, but there was a lot of heartbreak.”