Sunday, 19 February 2012

Family of Whitney Houston attending private burial

 

The family of Whitney Houston is attending her private burial in Westfield, New Jersey. The late singer is being laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery beside her father John Russell Houston, who died in 2003. It follows a memorial service attended by some of the biggest names in music yesterday, including her cousin Dionne Warwick, her mentor and former label boss Clive Davis, and Stevie Wonder. The 48-year-old was found dead at a hotel in Los Angeles last week. Houston was discovered submerged in the bath. 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. 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. Watch tributes from Kevin Costner, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and others who honoured the singer at her funeral 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. Houston's Godmother Aretha Franklin, who Houston referred to as "Aunt Ree", had been due to sing at the service but the Houston family said she was not able to attend as she was unwell. She told the Associated Press news agency that she had been suffering with leg spasms but she sent her best wishes to the family. Following the service, fans and onlookers gathered outside the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark to catch a glimpse of the hearse as it drove in carrying Houston's body in golden coffin. Some called: "I love you", as the hearse passed. One of the biggest voices of the 80s, Houston sold millions of singles and albums worldwide.

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