Whitney Houston: Body Flown to NJ Hometown; Funeral Friday?
The body of Whitney Houston is being transported by air from Los Angeles to New Jersey Monday evening in time for her funeral later this week.
Details of Houston's funeral have not been finalized, but there is discussion about holding it Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark, according to The Associated Press.
Houston, 48, was found dead in the bathtub of her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday – a day before the Grammy. The powerhouse singer was scheduled to attend a pre-Grammy party hosted by Clive Davis – her mentor, long-time friend, and advocate.
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"I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me. She was full of life, looking forward for tonight. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrated music," said Davis on Sunday at the Beverly Hilton, AP reported.
Over 20 years ago, it was Davis who presented Houston at his pre-Grammy gala.
Houston – the daughter of Grammy-winning gospel singer Cissy Houston and cousin to music star Dionne Warwick – was born in Newark, N.J. She grew up singing at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, and followed her mother to clubs as a teen.
Balloons, flowers, and cards can be found outside of New Hope Baptist Church on Monday in honor of Houston.
In terms of the cause of the singer's death, it might be weeks before toxicology results are released. A police statement said that Houston "was underwater and apparently unconscious."
"Ms. Houston was pulled from the tub by members of her staff and hotel security was promptly notified," the statement said.
Houstong is survived by her only child, Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, her mother Cissy Houston, and her ex-husband Bobby Brown.
SEE VIDEO OF WHITNEY HOUSTON FEATURING CISSY HOUSTON SINGING I KNOW HIM SO WELL
