Celine Dion, Cher Remember Danny Gans

Las Vegas lost one of its great performers early Friday morning when impressionist Danny Gans, an 11-time “Entertainer of the Year,” died in his sleep at the age of 52.

Later Friday, a number of his fellow Vegas performers reached out to remember him and his work.

“I’m very, very sad, and completely shocked to hear the news about Danny,” singer Celine Dion, who performed at Caesars Palace from 2002-2007, said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “[My husband] Rene and I have loved him very much since the first time we saw him and met him at the Rio in 1997. Not only was he the best in his field, but he was such a kind and loving person.

“About a month before my last show at Caesars, Danny and his wife Julie, and their daughters came to see us. We talked and laughed for over an hour,” she added. “I can’t believe he’s not with us anymore, and our heart goes out to his family. I wish them God’s strength.”

She was joined in her feelings by Cher, who is currently performing at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

“I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of such a unique and gifted talent,” Cher told Access in a statement.

Danny was also remembered by one of his bandmates, saxophonist Fred Champoux, who told People that the impressionist had been in “top health” at his final show on Wednesday night.

“He did as good as show as he’s ever done,” Fred told the mag. “There was no suspicion anything was wrong, not a clue that there was a problem.”

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