A chilling picture apparently showing late singer Whitney Houston in an open coffin has been published on the cover of the National Enquirer.
The image shows Whitney Houston lying dead in her golden casket, clad in her favorite purple dress and wearing what looks like a diamond broach and earring.
National Enquirer has run the snap alongside a bold headline proclaiming: “Whitney: The last photo!”
It is understood Whitney Houston picture in open casket was taken inside the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, New Jersey, where her family attended a private wake last Friday on the eve of her funeral.
National Enquirer claims the photo was taken at the private viewing – although does not reveal who took the picture.
Whitney Houston was wearing jewels worth $500,000 and had gold slippers on her feet, according to the publication.
Picture of dead Whitney Houston in the coffin published by National Enquirer
No doubt the photograph – which was published in the magazine’s latest edition – is bound to stir a strong reaction.
Whitney Houston’s funeral took place on Saturday and was attended by stars including Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey and her co-star from The Bodyguard, Kevin Costner.
Whitney Houston was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, on Sunday in a burial service attended by close family and friends. The legendary singer, who died on February 11 at age 48, is buried near her father, John Russell Houston, Jr.
Following Whitney Houston’s death claims emerged stating that singer was disheveled and incoherent and that she interrupted an E! interview the Thursday before her death.
However, according to Radaronline, this is false and a source said: “Whitney waited until E! had finished filming to say hello. Clive, Brandy and Monica were doing interviews with multiple media outlets to promote their performance at the pre-Grammy party.
“The interview was finished, and the E! crew was off to the side taking their equipment down, and the trio was awaiting the next outlet to come in and set up. As soon as the E! crew saw Whitney enter the room, they started rolling their cameras. Whitney came over, and said hello to all three. She was completely sober, coherent, and absolutely respectful. She just wanted to wish Brandy and Monica good luck.”
Following Whitney Houston's death claims emerged stating that singer was disheveled and incoherent and that she interrupted an E! interview the Thursday before her death
The Beverly Hilton hotel room where Whitney Houston died in is said to be fully booked for the “foreseeable future” it has been reported.
Meanwhile, Whitney Houston’s death certificate has been released, but failed to determine the cause of death listing “pending investigation” as the manner of death and “deferred” is written for the immediate cause.
While it is known that Whitney Houston drank alcohol and had taken prescription drugs before her death it is still not clear what the exact cause is – and it has been reported it will be hard to get a clear picture of exactly what she was taking.
