Céline Dion leads tributes to Dior executive Mathilde Favier after crash

Céline Dion has shared a heartfelt tribute to Dior executive Mathilde Favier after she died in a fatal car crash on Monday.

Dior's longtime public relations director and her partner, French film producer Nicolas Altmayer, died in a car accident in Airvault, France on Monday. She was 57 and he was 61.

Reacting to the news, Dion posted a photo of herself with the French fashion executive at what appeared to be a dress fitting for the bejewelled Dior gown she wore to perform from the Eiffel Tower at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

"It is with great sadness that I have just learned of the tragic passing of Mathilde Favier and her partner, Nicolas Altmayer," she wrote in French on her Instagram Stories. "Mathilde was always so kind to me. A true source of joy and good humour; I could always count on her unwavering support, especially during my last stay in Paris."

"Mathilde, we will miss your smile," she continued. "My deepest condolences to the entire Dior family, and of course to your dear children and all your loved ones. 'God unites those who love each other...'"

Several other stars reacted to the tragic news in the comments underneath Dior's announcement of Favier's death.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell wrote, "Many decades of friendship since 87 what a force of strength and joy for life @mathildefavier, my deepest condolences to her Children, family and loved ones... and to the family of her partner too...heartbreaking ..May you both Rest in Heavenly Peace (sic)."

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra posted a crying emoji, Jennifer Aniston shared heartbroken emojis, and Anya Taylor-Joy described Favier as "the kindest".

In addition, model and singer Carla Bruni shared photos of Favier and told her Instagram followers that she had a broken heart.

"My dear Mathilde, this morning I am in disbelief: how is it possible that you left us like this?" she wrote. "You were like sunshine in the lives of your friends and family; you were radiant, joyful, always happy even in the darkest times."

According to local prosecutors, the couple's car hit a heavy goods vehicle travelling in the opposite direction while they were overtaking another vehicle. An investigation into the crash is underway.