The world was saddened even further Saturday with the funeral of Whitney Houston broadcasted LIVE on TV and on the internet. Millions tuned in as some of the worlds most famous people helped pay tribute to Whitney Houston.
Houston’s mother Cissy Houston and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, were joined by mourners at the invitation-only service.
“I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long,” Cissy Houston wrote in the funeral program, The Associated Press reported Saturday. “And
I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years.”
There were musical tributes from some of the biggest names in the industry including Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.
The audience included the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Tyler Perry, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Stevie Wonder and many more.
A tearful Alicia Keys remembered how Houston would reach out to young artists.
“[She] made us feel strong and capable and loved,” Keys said before she sang.
Aretha Franklin, who had been confirmed as a performer, said Saturday she would not sing at Houston’s funeral. “Unfortunately I had terrible leg spasms and locked leg muscles,” Franklin said in a statement. “My heart goes out to my dear friend Cissy, Dionne, Bobbi Kristina and the rest of the family. “
Houston’s longtime friend and the man who jumpstarted her career, Clive Davis, said a talent like Houston’s was rare.
“You wait for a voice like that for a lifetime. You wait for a face like that, a smile like that, a presence like that for a lifetime,” he said. “When one person embodies it all, it takes your breath away.”
One of the highlights of the service was when Kevin Costner remembered his “The Bodyguard” co-star as someone who shared the same interests and values. Both grew up in the Baptist church, a bond he said they shared over the years of their friendship.
Costner recalled Houston’s nervousness when she had to do a screen test for the role of singer Rachel Marron in the movie.
“The Whitney I knew was still wondering if I’m good enough. Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?” he said. “It was what made her great, and what caused her to stumble at the end.”
One person conspicuously absent at the service was Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown.
Brown made a brief appearance at the funeral. He touched the casket and then left with his children Landon and LaPrincia at the start of the ceremony when his entourage was told they could not get in. Reports are that Bobby Brown had 3 seats reserved for him and he showed up with 9 people. Brown was said to be angry that his entire party could not be accommodated at the funeral.
In a statement put out by his representative, Brown explained, “My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions.”
Brown had spent much of the week with his daughter Bobbi Kristina, who was hospitalized for stress and anxiety after Houston’s death on Feb. 11.
Pastor Marvin Winans did the eulogy and had no shame in preaching. He did a wonderful job preaching a powerful 15 minute sermonette.
What are your thoughts of the funeral procession? We have posted a few pages of the obituary below. If you missed the funeral you can watch it in it’s entirety below as well.
