Céline Dion has shot down rumours that she’s dating Pepe Muñoz, the former pro dancer who’s 16 years her junior.
In an interview for UK show Lorraine, Dion insisted she has been single since the death of her longtime husband René Angélil in 2016, despite what the tabloids claim.
“They put us together a lot,” said Dion. “I don’t mind because he’s handsome and he’s my best friend.”
The 50-year-old Canadian singer said she and Munoz have been spotted hugging and holding hands because he’s “a gentleman.”
Dion added: “Yeah, there’s another man in my life, but not the man in my life.”
MORE: Has Céline Dion Found Herself A Younger Man?
Dion also talked about coming to terms with another man in her life – her eldest son René-Charles, who recently turned 18.
“He’s a normal teenager growing, trying things, exploring, and I think that’s the way it should be,” she said. “They have to find their own way at one point because if you pull the cable too much they can really go wild and off.”
Dion admitted there have been normal challenges. “He does stuff sometimes that, I have to say, I do not necessarily agree with what he chooses to try, but as long as he’s using his intelligence and his mind, I trust him.”
Geoff Robins / AFP/Getty Images
Twins Eddy and Nelson, 8, are also finding their way, said Dion. From a young age they put on her boots and lipstick and took an interest in dolls and dresses, she recalled.
“Something kind of clicked and I said, but why not? The way of expression starts very early and we have to embrace and respect that,” said Dion.
Her boys inspired the gender-neutral clothing line she started promoting last year. The collection has been criticized by religious bigots.
“Fashion is a way of expressing yourself. Give the children as young as possible the option of trying things, to wear whatever colour,” she explained. “What people feel inside is not about a colour. It’s how you feel and we have to give the children an opportunity to be who they are.
“Let the children speak and wear what they want."