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whitney houston’s family
Authorities found no evidence of foul play related to Whitney Houston’s death, which is set to be declared an accident.
Whitney Houston died in mysterious circumstances, leading to speculation that other people could have been involved in her death.
But investigations into the singer’s death have not uncovered signs that it was anything other than accidental.
A source told E! News that “nothing suspicious” connected the death to any of Whitney Houston’s associates, staff or doctors.
“She had no marks on her body whatsoever to indicate a struggle, and she was the furthest thing from trying to kill herself,” the source continued.
On Whitney Houston’s death certificate no cause of death was specified, as officials waited for the result of a toxicology test.
That result could come as early as next week, which would bring the investigation close to a conclusion.
Investigations into Whitney Houston's death have not uncovered signs that it was anything other than accidental
Whitney Houston’s family have apparently been convinced all along that her death must have been accidental.
But Whitney Houston’s former sister-in-law Leolah Brown told Access Hollywood: “I believe Whitney’s death was not accidental.”
Leolah Brown, sister of singer Bobby Brown, also advised the couple’s daughter Bobbi Kristina that she should “not trust anybody at this time”.
Whitney Houston was found dead aged 48 on February 11 in the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
The singer was found dead in a bathtub in her suite, sparking suggestions she might have passed out after a drug overdose.
Whitney Houston, most famous for her hit I Will Always Love You, was a regular user of crack cocaine and other drugs.
Just days before her death Whitney Houston was photographed looking disheveled and bleeding outside a Los Angeles nightclub.
Whitney Houston’s funeral was held a week later in her home town of Newark, New Jersey.
Carolyn Whigham, the owner of the funeral home that handled Whitney Houston’s remains is said to be “devastated” that a photo showing the legendary singer’s body in an open casket was leaked to the National Enquirer.
It is believed the picture was taken inside the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, New Jersey, where Whitney Houston’s family attended a private wake last Friday on the eve of her funeral.
Carolyn Whigham says neither she nor her staff is responsible.
“We did not take that photo. We did not sell the photo. We would never do something like that,” Carolyn Whigham told the New York Daily News.
Carolyn Whigham, who is a second-generation owner of the Whigham Funeral Home said she had a long-standing relationship with Whitney Houston.
“Whitney was a friend,” the business owner said.
“I’m the one who flew to Los Angeles and got Whitney from the coroner’s office. I did everything to protect her.”
Carolyn Whigham, the owner of the funeral home that handled Whitney Houston's remains is said to be “devastated” that a photo showing the legendary singer's body in an open casket was leaked to the National Enquirer
The image shows the singer’s body resting inside her partially open casket.
The National Enquirer has run the snap alongside a bold headline proclaiming: “Whitney: The last photo!”
When the picture of Whitney Houston in open casket hit newstands, Carolyn Whigham said she received a number of distressing emails from irate Houston fans and she now fears for her staff’s safety.
“One email said that if the person owned a dog, and the dog died, they would not come to my funeral home,” Carolyn Whigham said.
“I’m worried about my employees, worried about me. I’ve been in business since 1943. This is my name, my character. Honestly, this is my life’s work. We would never do something like this.”
Whitney Houston’s mother Cissy and daughter Bobbi Kristina are said to be outraged about the photo.
“Their heart broken all over again” sources close to the family told TMZ.
One source said: “The family could tell from the photo that it was taken from inside the funeral home, but they have no idea who would have snapped the pic.”
Whitney Houston, 48, died in a hotel suite in Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on 11 February.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles county coroner said multiple bottles of prescription medication were recovered from Whitney Houston’s room, but the official cause of her death has not been revealed.
The shocking National Enquirer cover photo shows Whitney Houston wearing a deep purple dress, a sparkling brooch and diamond earrings.
Carolyn Whigham disputed the tabloid’s claim that Whitney Houston was buried with $500,000 worth of precious stones.
“That’s crazy. It’s not true,” Carolyn Whigham told The Daily News.
It was reported that armed security guards have been placed at Whitney Houston’s grave to prevent grave robbers from plundering $500,000 worth of jewels and clothing the singer was buried in.
Round-the-clock guards are protecting the grave at the Fairview Cemetery in New Jersey, despite the area being closed to the general public earlier this week.
A source told the Daily Star: “There is a very genuine fear that her coffin will be targeted by grave robbers.
“It would be hard for them to actually dig her casket up, but that won’t stop psychotic fans or people who think it could make them money.
“The fact she was buried with such valuable jewellery is just an invitation to sickos.
“It’s ironic that Whitney, who was most famous for The Bodyguard movie when she was alive, has to have bodyguards even in death.”
Whitney Houston, who died on February 11 aged 48, is understood to have been buried in a gold lined casket worth upwards of $15,000, and wearing a diamond brooch and earrings.
The overwhelming number of fans paying visits to the grave following Whitney Houston’s burial on February 19 forced official to close the cemetery to the public indefinitely.
Armed security guards have been placed at Whitney Houston's grave to prevent grave robbers from plundering $500,000 worth of jewels and clothing the singer was buried in
Police Captain Cliff Auchter said that overcrowding and traffic congestion led to the decision.
“It’s a private property, and it’s up to them to make that decision,” Cliff Auchter he told reporters.
“It was done in light of the overcrowding that occurred. The cemetery is a maze of very small roads, so if two cars come face to face, you have a Mexican standoff.”
The situation is being evaluated on a daily basis, Cliff Auchter added, and those with relatives buried on the site will not be affected by the ban.
Meanwhile a source close to Whitney Houston’s family spoke of their rage at the publication of the late singer in her coffin by The National Enquirer.
“Seeing Whitney at a funeral home for the final time was a very intimate moment for her closest relatives, and that’s exactly how it should have been kept,” the Mirror quoted the source.
“For a magazine to be profiting from their grief is a disgrace.”
Whitney Houston was found dead in the bath of her Beverly Hilton hotel room in Los Angeles on February 11.
Whitney Houston’s most prized possessions are set to go up for an auction next month, it has emerged today, two days after the singer’s funeral.
Whitney Houston’s items up for sale include a pair of earrings, a brown satin waistcoat and a black velvet dress she wore in the 1992 movie The Bodyguard.
Darren Julien, Julien’s Auctions boss, has defended the decision to hold the sale – which will take place at the Hollywood Legends auction on March 31 – so shortly after Whitney Houston’s death.
Darren Julien told the Associated Press: “It proves a point that these items, they’re an investment. You buy items just like a stock. Buy at the right time and sell at the right time, and they just increase in value.”
He went on to say the auction would be a celebration of Whitney Houston, who was found dead in the bathtub of her Beverly Hilton hotel suite a week ago.
Whitney Houston’s black velvet dress worn by singer in The Bodyguard is one of the items set to go on auction next month
Darren Julien said: “It’s a celebration of her life. If you hide these things in fear that you’re going to offend someone – her life is to be celebrated.
“These items are historic now that she passed. They become a part of history. They should be in museums. She’s lived a life and had a career that nobody else has ever had.
“For people who are fans of Whitney Houston and never would have had a chance to meet her and never got to talk to her, these are items that literally touched a part of her life.
“They are a way to relate to her or be a part of her life without having known her.”
Meanwhile, Whitney Houston’s family has ensured the Beverly Hilton hotel room she died in has been meticulously stripped of any memorabilia to prevent anyone selling the items to profit out of her death.
TMZ reports that everything has been removed from room 434, including bed sheets, towels and rubbish.
Whitney Houston, 48, was laid to rest yesterday next to the body of her father John Russell Houston Jr. – who died in 2003 – at the Fairview Cemetery in New Jersey.
Only close family – including cousin Dionne Warwick – attended the private burial – which took place on Sunday after her funeral – with fans lining the route to the cemetery.
To keep onlookers out a huge tent was erected over the site where Whitney Houston’s silver coffin was lowered into the ground.
Stars including Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Clive Davis and Kevin Costner – Whitney’s co-star in movie “The Bodyguard” – were among the mourners at her “going home service” on Saturday.
Kevin Costner paid tribute to Whitney Houston in a moving eulogy at the funeral, telling her fans to remember “the sweet miracle” of the singer.
Just hours after he stormed out of his ex-wife Whitney Houston’s funeral, Bobby Brown appeared upbeat as he performed onstage with his New Edition bandmates to a 7,000 sellout crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Bobby Brown reportedly stormed out of his ex-wife Whitney Houston’s funeral following a dispute over seating arrangements and not being allowed to be with his daughter Bobbi Kristina.
Bobby Brown, 43, said he left the service after kissing the casket of his ex-wife whitney Houston because “he refused to make a scene”.
The former rapper was seen onstage wearing a white tuxedo jacket, matching white shirt underneath a black satin vest, and black trousers.
Bobby Brown’s outfit was a far-cry different from the all-black mourning attire he had worn to attend Whitney Houston’s funeral hours earlier.
He appeared in good spirits as he sang to the crowd, smiling at times and pulling quirky expressions.
Bobby Brown also did several energetic dance moves alongside the New Edition members.
The singer arrived onstage a reported 10 minutes late after his band already started the performance, according to USA Today.
Hours after Whitney Houston's funeral, Bobby Brown performed onstage with his New Edition bandmates at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut
During the fourth track Bobby Brown was said to have strode up to the stage to cheers from the audience and addressed the crowd.
“I want to give blessings to my ex-wife, Whitney Houston, I love you. I want to give blessings to my kids, my fiancée (Alicia Etheridge), my brothers, and each of you,” Bobby Brown said.
Before launching into his track Hit Me Off, he added: “And if you didn’t already know, I go by the name of bad a** Bobby Brown.”
After singing several of his famous songs including My Prerogative, Bobby Brown once again referred to Whitney Houston’s tragic passing.
“I lost three great people in my life in the last year, but nothing makes me happier than to be here with you,” he said.
Some concertgoers believed that Bobby Brown’s onstage appearance so soon after today’s funeral was insensitive.
“I grew up on New Edition, and want to see how Bobby responds,” William McGarrah told USA Today.
“(It was) a little insensitive, and (it) shows how much he needs the money. I thought he would take time off to be with his daughter.”
Bobby Brown it appears spent very little time with his daughter Bobbi Kristina today during and following the funeral for her mother.
He had left the service early after an alleged altercation with security over seating.
Bobby Brown was cheered by fans as he arrived at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, but according to a mourner at the service, family became “frustrated” inside.
TMZ reported Bobby Brown became angry after the Houston family refused to seat his entourage of nine people. He had apparently been invited with a plus two.
Insiders told TMZ Bobby Brown wanted to sit with Bobbi Kristina on the front row – but he wasn’t allowed.
Bobby Brown has since released a statement, explaining his abrupt departure, saying he was moved by security three times.
In a statement put out by his representative, Bobby Brown said: “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.
“I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move,” he said.
The statement went on: “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.
“My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honour Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”
Early reports suggested Bobby Brown, who became divorced from Whitney Houston in 2007, was denied entry to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
Shortly after the service began Bobby Brown was seen leaving the church with a grim expression on his face accompanied by a female companion.
They stood outside for a few moments before getting in to a waiting SUV and drove off.
Bobby Brown, who Whitney Houston’s family blamed for her drug addiction, had reportedly been invited after her family put aside their differences and begrudgingly said he could come.
As Bobby Brown was waiting outside the church an unidentified man stood next to him crying uncontrollably.
Bobby Brown himself appeared to be wiping away a tear as he got into his car.
Live coverage from inside Whitney Houston’s funeral showed her daughter Bobbi Kristina and mother Cissy sat on the front row.
They were yards away from Whitney Houston’s flower drenched coffin, which took centre stage on the very alter where she sang as a child at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
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Bobbi Kristina “Krissi” Brown is said to be encouraged by Whitney Houston’s family members to enter a live-in rehab facility as soon as possible.
According to TMZ, Whitney Houston’s relatives want Bobbi Kristina to seek drug treatment, but they are holding off on telling her until after Whitney’s funeral today.
Sources connected to Whitney Houston’s family told TMZ that the 18-year-old Bobbi Kristina has struggled with substance abuse issues for the last three or four years.
Now family members are urging Bobbi Kristina to get professional help at a 60-day live-in treatment facility before her alleged drug use gets worse.
But they want to give Krissi time to grieve, and will not push the issue until after Whitney Houston’s funeral.
Whitney Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, is said to be struggling with substance abuse issues for the last three or four years
Last March Bobbi Kristina Brown took to Twitter to deny claims she had checked into rehab after pictures surfaced that allegedly showed her snorting lines of cocaine.
Whitney Houston, who struggled with her own battle against drug addiction up until her death, was said to have desperately pushed the teenager to seek treatment last year, but Krissi pushed back.
Bobbi Kristina tweeted: “Excuse me, but I’d like to say that I am NOT going to rehab? I’m perfectly healthy and I am not addicted to anything but life.”
The National Enquirer, which first published the scandalous pictures, reported that Whitney Houston had attempted an intervention of sorts.
The publication quoted a source as saying: “She called a family meeting and sobbed as she told Krissi, <<I don’t want to lose you>>.
“Whitney called Bobby [Brown], and they agreed that Krissi needs rehab,” the friend was quoted as saying.
“They also agreed on a tough-love move to shake Krissi up, and Whitney returned a Lexus convertible that she’d bought for Krissi’s birthday.”
As Whitney Houston’s silver casket was carried out of the New Hope Baptist Church, her unforgettable voice could be heard singing her greatest hit I Will Always Love You, reducing many mourners to tears, as the star made her final journey before being laid to rest.
The singer’s mother Cissy Houston followed right behind the casket and had to be supported by two helpers as she tearfully watched her only daughter’s coffin being taken out. Bobbi Kristina followed closely behind.
Whitney Houston will be laid to rest tomorrow alongside her father John Russell Houston Jr.
Among the mourners at today’s highly-charged service, were singers Chaka Khan, Brandy, Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks and Jennifer Hudson. Singer Ray J, who spent time with Houston during her last days, broke down crying before the service had even begun.
Cissy Houston and daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown were in the front row, both in black, both with heads bowed in grief.
Whitney Houston’s casket was carried out of the church while her unforgettable voice could be heard singing her greatest hit I Will Always Love You
Whitney Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the church shortly before the service began. He was driven away from the funeral but later returned in time for the start of the going-home service.
TMZ reported that Bobby Brown got into an argument with Whitney Houston’s family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him. Bobby Brown was invited and told he could bring two people but instead showed up with an entourage of nine.
Bobby Brown reportedly became upset when he was told his party could not be seated. He was also refused to sit beside his daughter Bobbi Kristina in the front row.
In a statement put out by his representative after the funeral ended, Bobby 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.
“I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. 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.
“My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”
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Whitney Houston’s distraught ex-husband Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark shortly before the service began.
Bobby Brown was driven away from the service but it is believed he later returned in time for the going-home service.
Last days it has been claimed that Cissy Houston was doing her best to stop Bobby Brown from getting closer to their daughter Bobbi Kristina, for fear it is a ploy to get his hands on Whitney Houston’s fortune.
Bobby Brown was driven away from the New Hope Baptist Church but it is believed he later returned in time for Whitney Houston’s going-home service
A source told TMZ.com that friends of the family have contacted Bobby Brown to tell him he’s not welcome at her funeral, and should not increase his part in Bobbi Kristina’s life.
However, a friend of Bobby Brown’s is said to have told TMZ that Bobby is keen to “bury the hatchet for the sake of his daughter”.
Bobby Brown, 43, was cheered by fans as he arrived to the church, but according to a mourner, at the service family became “frustrated” inside.
The woman, who declined to give her name, said that Bobby Brown got agitated at something and walked out with his female companion behind him.
It is unclear whether Bobby Brown had an altercation with one of Whitney Houston’s family members – who are not on good terms with Brown.
The mourner said: “He was frustrated about something, maybe somebody said something to him or he was in a mood, I don’t know, but he came back a little while later.”
Meanwhile, the outspoken Reverend Al Sharpton revealed he had spoken to Bobby Brown in an attempt to calm him down.
Rev. Al Sharpton tweeted: “I am at Whitney’s funeral. I spoke with Bobby Brown trying to calm him down and not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney!”
Early reports suggest Bobby Brown, who became divorced from Whitney Houston in 2007, was denied entry to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
Shortly after the service began Bobby Brown was seen leaving the church with a grim expression on his face accompanied by a female companion.
They stood outside for a few moments before getting in to a waiting SUV and drove off.
Bobby Brown, who Whitney Houston’s family blamed for her drug addiction, had reportedly been invited after her family put aside their differences and begrudgingly said he could come.
As Bobby Brown was waiting outside the church an unidentified man stood next to him crying uncontrollably.
Bobby Brown himself appeared to be wiping away a tear as he got into his car.
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Whitney Houston’s flower-covered casket arrived at New Hope Baptist Church where her powerful voice first wowed a congregation as family made final preparations to remember the pop superstar in her hometown.
Whitney Houston's casket arrived at New Hope Baptist Church in her hometown Newark, New Jersey
ORDER OF SERVICE
New Hope Mass Choir and The New Jersey Mass Choir sings The Lord Is My Shepherd
Pastor Joe Carter reads scripture
Solo – Donnie McClurkin sings Stand
Tribute by Tyler Perry
Solo – BB Winans sings Home
Bishop TD Jakes speaks
Solo – Kim Burrell sings I Believe In You And Me
Tribute by Kevin Costner
Tribute by Clive Davis
Solo – Stevie Wonder sings Ribbons In The Sky
Tribute by Ricky Minor
Solo – Alicia Keys sings a medley
Solo – R. Kelly sings I Look To You
Whitney Houston’s family speaks
Final words by Dionne Warwick
Whitney Houston’s body will be laid to rest tomorrow
A galaxy of stars is expected today to pay tribute to Whitney Houston at her funeral in a gathering not seen since the death of Michael Jackson.
David Bowie will supposedly be among those attending the private service as will Janet Jackson, rapper Jay-Z, Mariah Carey and R n B singer R Kelly.
Alicia Keys will reportedly perform, as will Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, who was Whitney Houston’s godmother.
Whitney Houston’s husband Bobby Brown will also be attending after her family put aside their grievances and begrudgingly sent him an invitation.
It had been thought Bobby Brown would be kept away amid resentment he led Whitney Houston astray and fears he was trying to get his hands on her $40 million fortune.
The 90-minute service will take place at 12:00 p.m. local time at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, where Whitney Houston was first discovered as a teenager.
It will reportedly be a mixture of religious music and celebrity tributes including a speech from Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston’s co-star in The Bodyguard.
The church’s choir will perform the processional and the opening and a house band will be on stage throughout.
The song list and who will be in the backing cast for each artist has not yet been worked out.
A galaxy of stars is expected today to pay tribute to Whitney Houston at her funeral in a gathering not seen since the death of Michael Jackson
Among the others who will reportedly attend the service are Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston’s cousin, Bill Cosby and U.S. chat show queen Oprah Winfrey.
R n B singer Brandy will be there as will The Reverend Jessie Jackson, Chaka Khan and US X Factor judge Antonio “L.A.” Reid.
Sir Elton John has denied reports he will be there.
The eulogy will be read by the Pastor Marvin Winans, who married Whitney Houston and Brown in 1992.
All the proceedings will be streamed live on the Internet and roadblocks will be in place around the church to keep the public back and ensure those attending can get there on time.
Just hours later Bobby Brown, 43, will apparently split from the rest of his grieving family and travel to Connecticut – where he will play a lucrative concert at a casino.
The funeral comes one week after Whitney Houston was found dead in the bath of her hotel room in Los Angeles.
Police have reportedly obtained the singer’s medical records and are investigating what drugs were supplied to her in her final days.
No cause of death has been identified yet and officials are waiting for the results of toxicology tests.
Ray- J, Whitney Houston’s boyfriend, was seen at LAX airport on Friday catching a flight to New Jersey ahead of the singer’s service today.
It has also revealed yesterday that Mel Gibson reached out to Whitney Houston a few years ago to try and deal with her addiction issues.
Mel Gibson was invited to the funeral by Whitney Houston’s family but is unable to attend because of prior family commitments, TMZ reports.
Whitney Houston’s family members, including her mother Cissy and daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, took the opportunity to pay their respects in private at Whigham Funeral Home, Newark, New Jersey, yesterday.
Millions of viewers are expected to witness Whitney Houston’s funeral at noon today.
Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, who made her first appearance since being rushed to hospital after collapsing through stress following her mother’s passing, was seen arriving at Whigham Funeral Home in Whitney Houston’s hometown of Newark, alongside her tearful grandmother Cissy Houston.
They were later joined by famous faces including Whitney Houston’s life-long friend and mentor Clive Davis and as well as the singer’s cousin Dionne Warwick.
Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, who made her first appearance since being rushed to hospital after collapsing through stress following her mother's passing, was seen arriving at Whigham Funeral Home in Whitney Houston's hometown of Newark
Funeral director Caroline Whigham told the crowd gathered outside that the viewing “was done in privacy between a mother, a daughter, two brothers and a family,” according to People magazine.
The mourning family was also accompanied by a strong police presence which ensured the large crowds of fans who gathered outside the home kept their distance.
The heavy officer presence comes amid police warnings for fans to stay at home to watch the service rather than scramble for a place near the New Hope Baptist Church. Authorities say fans will not even be able to get within six square blocks of the church.
Cissy Houston was escorted into the building by a priest and held hands with a woman in a crisp white shirt. The former gospel singer was dressed smartly in a black coat with an orange and brown leopard print scarf wrapped around her shoulders.
Cissy Houston was escorted into Whigham Funeral Home by a priest and held hands with a woman in a crisp white shirt
Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, pictured in public for first time since she was rushed to hospital following the singer’s death in a Beverly Hills hotel, arrived at the funeral home in dark jeans, white vest and a black jacket.
Bobbi Kristina Brown appeared controlled as she entered the funeral home. “There are moments when she is strong and moments when it all hits her,” a source told People magazine.
“She can’t escape it.”
Bobbi Kristina is the daughter of Whitney Houston and her former husband Bobby Brown. It has been reported that the teen will now live with her grandmother “indefinitely” according to HollywoodLife.com.
However, a new report on TMZ.com this morning claimed that Whitney Houston’s family are keen for Bobbi Kristina to enter a “live-in rehab facility” as soon as possible, but are willing to wait until after the funeral to allow the teenager time to grieve her mother’s passing.
TMZ claims that Bobbi Kristina has, for the past three of four years, struggled with “substance abuse issues”, and her family are said to be keen for her to seek help before her problems get any worse.
Bobbi Kristina Brown hid her eyes between a pair of sunglasses and held the hand of a friend as she walked past security. Family and friends were greeted by what appeared to be an Egyptian-decorated casket outside the home.
As well as close family of Whitney Houston in attendance friends also gathered together to pay their respects.
Whitney Houston’s cousin Dionne Warwick was seen arriving and had wore a white shirt and a pair of dark trousers.
The late singer’s mentor and life-long friend Clive Davies also made an appearance as reports have emerged the music producer tried to get the singer to enter rehab in the weeks leading up to her death.
Whitney Houston’s on-off boyfriend Ray-J was seen making his way through LAX airport with his sister Brandy on their way to New Jersey ahead of the funeral.
Kevin Costner, who starred opposite Whitney Houston in the 1992 film The Bodyguard, was also seen making his way east at the airport.
Fans gathered outside where they signed a book of condolence and laid tributes, including flowers, balloons and teddy bears.
It is expected that fans will be blocked off the site once Whitney Houston’s family arrives for her wake ahead of today’s funeral.
New reports claim that Whitney Houston binged on cocaine, alcohol and pills in her final months.
Insiders say that after months of sober living during 2011, Whitney Houston fell off the wagon.
A source told Star magazine: “The last three months of Whitney’s life were truly tragic.”
Whitney Houston was found dead in the bathtub of her Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles on the eve of the Grammy Awards.
Eyewitness told Star magazine about Whitney Houston partying at Hollywood club Playhouse on January 2.
“Whitney got buck-wild. She drank cognac and champagne and seemed completely out of it from the moment she arrived until the moment she left at 2:30 a.m.”
Whitney Houston, pictured here with her daughter Bobbi Kristina, was said to have binge on cocaine, alcohol and pills in her final months
The reports go on to detail Whitney Houston partying at the luxury Beverly Hills hotel, the Beverly Wilshire.
“Whitney was in a lounge chair drinking pina coladas all afternoon,” another eyewitness told Star magazine.
“Once in a while, she would get on her cell phone and start screaming at someone. She seemed almost manic at moments and practically unconscious the next.”
Whitney Houston’s wild behavior continued right until her death.
CNN anchor Don Lemon claimed he saw Whitney Houston doing somersaults in the pool just days before she died – saying she had been drinking alcohol from as early as 10:00 a.m.
Whitney Houston will be laid to rest tomorrow after a funeral service at New Hope Baptist Church in her hometown of Newark, New Jersey.
Meanwhile Ray J, who was dating Whitney Houston in the months before her death, has finally broken his silence.
Ray-J, 31, released a statement that said: “Over the past few days, I’ve tried to process the emptiness that I am experiencing. What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words. The world lost an icon, but I lost my close friend.”
Alluding to a nickname given to Whitney Houston by her father he added: “Nippy, I miss you so much!”
“You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever.”
Ray-J was seen at LAX airport today catching a flight to New Jersey ahead of Whitey Houston’s funeral tomorrow.
There will be a galaxy of stars paying tribute to Whitney Houston including Kevin Costner, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder – the final duo who will be performing.
Today it has been revealed that Mel Gibson reached out to Whitney Houston a few years ago to try and deal with her addiction issues.
Mel Gibson was invited to the funeral tomorrow by Whitney Houston’s family but is unable to attend because of prior family commitments TMZ reports.
Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston’s godmother, has been asked to sing at the singer’s funeral, Franklin’s spokeswoman said.
According to CNN.com other stars confirmed on the guest list are Chaka Khan, Bebe & CeCe Winans, songwriter Diane Warren, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, pop singer Darlene Love, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Antonio L.A. Reid, Ray J and Brandy.
One person expected not to attend the funeral, which will take place at 12:00 p.m. EST, in Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church, is Bobby Brown, who family members are said to have told that he is not welcome.
Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston's godmother, has been asked to sing at the singer’s funeral
It has also been claimed that Whitney Houston’s mother Cissy is doing her best to stop the singer’s ex-husband Bobby Brown from getting closer to their daughter Bobbi Kristina, for fear it is a ploy to get his hands on Whitney’s fortune.
A source told TMZ.com that friends of the family have contacted Bobby Brown to tell him he’s not welcome at her funeral, and should not increase his part in Bobbi Kristina’s life.
However, a friend of Bobby Brown’s is said to have told TMZ that Bobby is keen to “bury the hatchet for the sake of his daughter”.
