Home Arts & Culture Whitney Houston’s burial: private ceremony at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey

Whitney Houston’s burial: private ceremony at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey

0

Whitney Houston’s family is to attend the singer’s private burial in Westfield, New Jersey, later.

Whitney Houston 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 her cousin Dionne Warwick.

Whitney Houston was found dead at a hotel in Los Angeles last week.

The late singer 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.

Whitney Houston is to be laid to rest beside her father John Russell Houston, who died in 2003, at Fairview Cemetery

Whitney Houston is to be laid to rest beside her father John Russell Houston, who died in 2003, at Fairview Cemetery

Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and R Kelly performed during the three hour and 45 minute-long ceremony, while actor Kevin Costner, who starred opposite Whitney Houston in the film The Bodyguard, paid tribute to what he called the “sweet miracle” of her life.

Whitney Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, arrived at the service but left again shortly afterwards.

Bobby Brown 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.

Bobby 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,” Bobby Brown said as he pointed his finger to the sky.

Whitney Houston’s Godmother Aretha Franklin, whom the star 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.

Aretha Franklin told the Associated Press news agency that she had been suffering with leg spasms and 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 Whitney Houston’s body in golden coffin. Some called: “I love you”, as the hearse passed.

One of the biggest voices of the 80’s, Whitney Houston sold millions of singles and albums worldwide.