The family of Whitney Houston is to attend her private burial in Westfield, New Jersey later. The late singer is to be laid to rest beside her father John Russell Houston, who died in 2003, at Fairview Cemetery. It follows a memorial service attended by some of the biggest names in music yesterday, including her mentor and former label boss Clive Davis, Stevie Wonder and cousin Dionne Warwick. The 48-year-old was found dead at a hotel in Los Angeles last week.
She had been due to attend the Grammy awards. The cause of her death is as yet unknown, with investigators awaiting the results of toxicology tests. Wonder, Alicia Keys, and R Kelly performed during the three hour and 45 minute-long ceremony, while actor Kevin Costner, who starred opposite Houston in the film The Bodyguard, paid tribute to what he called the “sweet miracle” of her life.
Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, arrived at the service but left again shortly afterwards. The emphasis was on celebrating Whitney Houston’s phenomenal achievements. The gospel choir set a celebratory rather than sombre note. This was where she sang as a child – her family called this her coming-home service.
As in life, so there were tensions in death – Houston’s estranged husband Bobby Brown, blamed by many fans for her descent into drug addiction, left the service early. The congregation reflected Houston’s journey from Newark to Hollywood. Stars from the music world paid homage – Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys sang heartfelt songs, with Keys praising the woman who mentored her. The service closed on an emotional note, with many weeping as Houston’s anthem I Will Always Love You accompanied the coffin out of the church. As her voice in all its glory at the height of her powers echoed around the church, family, friends and fans reflected on a talented, turbulent life.
He later said in a statement released to US media that he and his children “were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions”. “In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene,” he added. Brown, 43, was on stage last night in Connecticut, performing with his original band New Edition. “I want to give blessings to my ex-wife, Whitney Houston. I love you,” Brown he said as he pointed his finger to the sky.
