Céline Dion Feels 'Heartbroken' by Her 'Cherished Mentor' Quincy Jones' Death but 'Privileged' to Have Worked with Him

Mar. 15, 2025

Céline Dion and Quincy Jones in February 2010.Photo:Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Singer Celine Dion (L) and producer Quincy Jones at the “We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti” recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Céline Dionis feeling the loss ofQuincy Jones.

After the legendary music producer, who worked withMichael JacksonandFrank Sinatra,died at age 91 on Nov. 3at his Los Angeles home, Dionposted to Instagram with a heartfelt tributereflecting on the time they spent together working on music.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my friend, the one and only musical genius, Quincy Jones,” wrote the powerhouse vocalist, 56, alongside photos of herself and Jones, with whom she worked on two songs: 2007’s"I Knew I Loved You"from the filmOnce Upon a Time in Americaand the 2010 version of"We Are the World"to benefit victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Céline Dion and Quincy Jones in Hollywood in February 2010.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Singer Celine Dion (L) and producer Quincy Jones at the “We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti” recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California.

Dion continued, “Quincy touched my world as both a cherished mentor and also as someone I looked up to for his deep impact on virtually every form of American music.”

Dion praised Jones' “kindness and countless achievements” before adding, “I also admired him for his philanthropic work which benefited the arts, global famine and underprivileged youth. His reach truly extends to all corners of the globe!”

Céline Dion in New York City in June 2024.Roy Rochlin/WireImage

Celine Dion attends the “I Am: Celine Dion” New York special screening at Alice Tully Hall on June 17, 2024 in New York City.

Roy Rochlin/WireImage

Her caption concluded with a quote from Jones: “Music is the soul of the universe. It connects us all on a level that words alone cannot reach.”

“May his wisdom and joy remain with us always,” wrote Dion.

Quincy Jones in Los Angeles in December 2019.Amy Sussman/Getty

Quincy Jones attends the after party for Liongate’s “Bombshell” at Regency Village Theatre on December 10, 2019 in Westwood, California

Amy Sussman/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” his family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

The statement continued, “He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

source: people.com