René was the only man I ever kissed, the only man I ever truly loved. Our journey together began when I was only 12, and he was 38. Despite the 26-year age gap, something profound and undeniable connected us from the very first moment we met.

It was in 1981, when I was just beginning to dream of a music career, that René first heard one of my demos. Deeply moved by what he heard, he made the selfless decision to mortgage his home to finance my first album.

At the time, neither of us realized how that act would become the foundation of my career, long before I ever achieved the success and fortune I have now.

Our bond, both personal and professional, lasted for 21 beautiful years. Together, we had three children. René was the only person with whom I ever shared a true, romantic connection.

He was my partner in every sense—loving, supporting, and guiding me through both the triumphs and struggles of life and career.

René passed away in January 2016 after a brave battle with cancer. Since his passing, I have never searched for another love. I still love him profoundly.

He is with me every day, and I find love in my children, my fans, and those who stand beside me. But as for romantic love, he will always be the one I held closest to my heart.

When I sleep, I imagine him next to me.

Even when I perform, I feel his presence with me—guiding and supporting me, just as he always did. In a way, I’m still married to him, bound by the love we shared and the life we built. It is a love that goes beyond time and death, and I will always carry it within me.