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

11/06/2024 11:32 AM

Dion collaborated on two songs with the legendary music producer, who died at age 91 on Nov. 3 at his Los Angeles home

Céline Dion is feeling the loss of Quincy Jones.

After the legendary music producer, who worked with Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, died at age 91 on Nov. 3 at his Los Angeles home, Dion took to Instagram with a heartfelt post reflecting 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 film Once Upon a Time in America and the 2010 version of "We Are the World" to benefit victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Related: Quincy Jones' Most Shocking Revelations About Other Celebs, from Marlon Brando's Sex Life to the Beatles' Lack of Talent

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

The "All by Myself" singer said she felt "privileged" to have experienced the "dream come true" of working with Jones. "In our sessions, his musical intuition was nothing short of profound - he helped me capture 'a little piece of heaven.' Quincy always knew exactly what each song needed," she recalled.

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!"

Related: Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, LL Cool J and More Pay Tribute to 'One of a Kind' Quincy Jones

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.

Jones died Nov. 3 while surrounded by family at his home, his publicist Arnold Robinson previously confirmed to PEOPLE.

Related: How Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson's Album Collaborations Changed Music History

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"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."