Celine Dion is mourning the passing of a Canadian great – Major League Baseball broadcaster, best known for commentating for the Montreal Expos, Rodger Brulotte.
The journalist died on March 20 at the age of 79, with tributes pouring in from many in the world of baseball and Canadian athletics, including Celine, 57.
Celine’s tribute to Rodger Brulotte
In a tribute shared on Instagram, the singer included a photo of Rodger with her late husband René Angélil, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 73. He and Celine were married from 1994 until his death.
She revealed that René and Rodger were close friends for several years, penning in French: “Rodger Brulotte’s passing saddens me deeply. René and I met him on several occasions, and it was always a pleasure.”
“René and Rodger were longtime friends and shared a passion for golf,” Celine continued. “We have lost a truly great journalist, and I wish to offer my most sincere condolences to his partner, Pascale, as well as to his entire family and loved ones,” signing it “René and Celine.”
Who was Rodger Brulotte?
Born in 1947, Rodger’s career with the Montreal Expos began in 1969, when he was hired as a scout. He then moved into public relations (helping to create the team’s mascot Youppi!) and in 1984, he joined Jacques Doucet in the broadcast booth for CKAC, with his stint lasting for 17 seasons.
Rodger was especially beloved by French Canadians for his enthusiastic hosting style, particularly well known for his signature catchphrase “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” for home runs, roughly translating to “Good night, it’s out of here!”
© InstagramThat phrase was first shouted during a 1983 game in San Diego, and when his co-commentator noted that they were playing the game in broad daylight, he quipped that it must be dark somewhere. It became his signature for any Expos home runs.
In 2011, he moved to TVA Sports and began commentating on games for the Toronto Blue Jays in French. His last major scheduled appearance, at the 2025 World Series, ended up being a no-show as Rodger was recovering from surgery.
© Getty ImagesHe had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his spine in 2025, for which he underwent surgery that caused him to miss the season. The illness eventually took his life.
TVA Sports also paid a public tribute to the popular broadcaster, writing on Instagram: “‘Bonsoir…’ Rodger Brulotte has departed. One of Quebec’s most recognizable voices and most beloved personalities has passed away.”
“The renowned commentator and columnist Rodger Brulotte – who achieved legendary status as much for his engaging personality as for his universally known catchphrase, ‘Bonsoir, elle est partie!’ – died on Friday at the age of 79. Indeed, as he had recently revealed, this is precisely how he wished for his passing to one day be announced: with that very phrase – the phrase that captured the imagination of all of Quebec.”
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