Whitney Houston’s Homecoming: A Final Goodbye
18 Feb
Today was the funeral – being referred to as her Home Coming – for the late, great music legend, Whitney Houston.
Despite it being a televised (and star-studded!) affair, this truly was both a goodbye to Whitney and a celebration of her life. The cameras were there, but this wasn’t an event “for show.”
Solemn, yet touching, this bittersweet occasion was watched by millions via CNN and websites that live-streamed the funeral.
Twitter followers could tweet their tributes to #WhitneyCNN as they watched along on their televisions.
The funeral, which took place at Whitney’s home church, New Hope Baptist, in New Jersey, featured a gospel choir, remarks by Kevin Costner, Clive Davis, Jesse Jackson, Tyler Perry, and others, and musical tributes sung by Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, and Kim Burrell, and 1,500 invite-only guests.
It has been reported that Whitney Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, briefly appeared at her funeral before suddenly leaving. Brown arrived as the service began. He walked to the casket, touched it and then walked out the back of the church, appearing upset.
Brown says in a statement that he and his children were seated but asked repeatedly to move. Brown added, “Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. 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.”
“We are here not to mourn our loss, but to celebrate her life,” stated Newark Mayor Cory Booker. (New Jersey governor Chris Christie also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honr of Ms. Houston.)
“The memories are so powerful, the music will be with us forever. We have a lot to rejoice about,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Aretha Franklin, who was initially rumored to be singing a tribute to Whitney at the tasteful affair, was not able to do so because of ill health.
You can view video from the funeral at CNN.com or via ABC News, and check out a timeline from E! News.
Rest in Peace, Whitney. You will be missed.
Enjoy these two lovely video tributes from the Grammy and NAACP Image Awards.
Jennifer Hudson sings, “I Will Always Love You” at the 2012 Grammy Awards:
Yolanda Adams and the NAACP Image Awards honor Whitney:
Such a moving, emotional tribute to one of the greatest singers of our time. I loved the fact , the camera wasnt in the faces of family members, but focused on the tributes being given on Whitneys behalf. She had her share of issues, but now she is in peace. RIP Whitney.