Celine Dion is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College’s School of Music.
The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ hitmaker will join Pharrell Williams, Donald Harrison, and Chad Hugo in picking up honorary doctorates from the prestigious music school later this year, whilst Chita Rivera and André Watts will receive Doctor of Arts degrees.
Berklee College tweeted on Friday (26.03.21): “Celine Dion, Donald Harrison, and Chad Hugo, and Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes will receive honorary Doctor of Music degrees from the College, and Chita Rivera and André Watts will receive honorary Doctor of Arts degrees from the Conservatory. (sic)”
In response, Celine quoted the tweet and said she was “honoured and humbled” to be named as a recipient for the degree.
She wrote: “I’m honored and humbled to be receiving an honorary doctorate from the highly esteemed @BerkleeCollege School of Music. I feel privileged to be considered in the same company as the incredibly talented Artists who have also received this distinction over the years. – Celine (sic)”
I’m honored and humbled to be receiving an honorary doctorate from the highly esteemed @BerkleeCollege School of Music. I feel privileged to be considered in the same company as the incredibly talented Artists who have also received this distinction over the years. 🙏❤ – Celine https://t.co/SbL3C1qJiz
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) March 26, 2021
Berklee’s College of Music commencement ceremony is set to stream on May 8, whilst a virtual ensemble will perform a tribute to this year’s honourees on May 7.
Meanwhile, Celine recently said she has developed a new “independence” after battling a tough few years, including her husband Rene Angelil losing his battle with cancer in 2016, her brother passing away and her mother’s death in January 2020.
She said: “I feel good these days. It’s no secret that I’ve gone through some tough times, obviously losing my husband and my brother a few years ago, and my mother very recently.
“Life presents challenges to us and we try to find ways to move on.
“Music can be a healing force, and the songs on my new album have helped me find new strength in my life … and perhaps a bit more independence, because I’m the head of the household now.
“I’ve got sole responsibility for my children, and you find out more things about yourself when you’re in that situation.”