Reports: Tyler Perry arranged for Whitney Houston’s body to be transported to New Jersey by private plane
AP photo
Whitney Houston’s body will be flown to her native New Jersey, according to a number of recent bulletins, although numerous earlier reports indicated the singer’s remains would be transported for burial in Atlanta.
TMZ reported earlier today that Tyler Perry made arrangements for her remains to be transported by private plane:
“Sources tell TMZ, Tyler Perry rushed to the L.A. hospital Saturday as soon as he heard about Whitney’s death, and immediately offered up his private plane to the family.”
The Star-Ledger in New Jersey, citing an NBC News report, posted this piece indicating the funeral will take place there. Whigham Funeral Home of Newark, thought to be in charge of arrangements, would not confirm, but the Star-Ledger noted it has handled the memorial services of some of Houston’s relatives, including her father.
A memorial service likely will be held Friday or Saturday, CNN reported. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a close friend of the Houston family, discussed developments with AJC reporter Ernie Suggs today.
“I was in New Jersey yesterday and my impression is that [the body is] going there,” said Jackson, who was in Newark on Sunday meeting with Houston’s mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston. “The mother is distraught. She is a woman of strong faith and she has wrestled with her daughter for a long time. She was under the impression that Whitney was coming out of it. She is completely stunned.”
Check back throughout the day for updates; we’ll continue posting information as it becomes available.
- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com
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120 comments Add your comment
betty
February 14th, 2012
12:18 pm
My prayer has gone out to the family
I can’t say it enough you dont have to do what everybody else does.be yourself
have something to offer other than following your friends. If drugs is not you say so and be proud of it. have the good gualities that somebody want from you.
Renae
February 14th, 2012
12:28 pm
I am soo very sadden by the news of Whitney Houston, she touched the lives of so many people in so many different ways.. I am most grateful for her talent because she had the most amazing voice and she was so very,very very gifted. The world has lost a irreplaceable talent and I hope that she is remembered for her contributions to the music industry and not her past. I am a giant WHITNEY HOUSTON !!! fan and she will truly be missed because she leaves a legacy to be cherished by all. May God grant her daughter, mother and her entire family the peace that surpasses all understanding and no matter what “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU ” WHITNEY HOUSTON.. R.I.P
Debbie (LA, Ca)
February 14th, 2012
12:30 pm
To Whitney Housto-Brown Family May God Bless You All and whatever is being Said Out Here Just Let It Be Just What it is… RIP Whitney Houston-Brown
Debbie (LA, Ca)
February 14th, 2012
12:36 pm
Bobby Brown keep your head up and know that your Daughter (Bobbi Kristina) needs You now more then ever, and May God Keep You Strong As Well..
Debbie Smith
February 14th, 2012
12:37 pm
Addiction is a disease. Some understand this while other don’t. I have live with a addict for many years. By the grace of God she is one year clean. I have learned a lot about addiction. The most important thing is that the only person that can stay clean forever is the addict. This is the choice they must make. No one else is to blame. She had a disease just like cancer, which if that is what she had no one would say bad things about her. Addiction is the same, there is a cure but it affects your mind and body. You have to stay clean, remove yourselft from people, place and things that trigger that desire to want to use. It’s harder that most can imagine. God bless this beautiful talented woman and her family.
salgaldenco
February 14th, 2012
12:46 pm
willnatlanta, you had a smart Mama. Matt, saying Whitney should have smoked a joint instead…well, I get your intentions but pot is not the answer and she should NEVER have been prescribed Xanax or anything else. She should NEVER have gone back to that environment, i.e. the parasitic music industry, parties, expectations, stress… Who in the hell are the dealers/suppliers and the dumb-ass Doctors that enabled this outcome. Yes, ultimately Whitney made her choices. To fans of any celebrity, don’t hound them if you cross paths. Let them be. To those of you who talk of not being judgmental, well you darn well better be discerning of behavior or you’ll find yourself in a heap of mess too. God Bless Whitney and protect her daughter.
Carvin
February 14th, 2012
12:50 pm
I watched Whitney’s TV interview with Diane Sawyer and when asked which was her worse enemy.drugs, alcohol or the pills, Whitney responded she was her worse enemy. Her demons had taken her so far down that she had forgotten with GOD’s help she could overcome her demons.
I feel that GOD had to take her in order to save her soul. Her death might be what save others who are struggling with various addictions, looking for answers and happiness in all the worng places.
She has that peace now that she couldn’t find on earth. Whitney has access to resources to help her but they’re useless if a person hasn’t made up their mind to help themself.
Frank Robinson
February 14th, 2012
1:06 pm
As others, I am shocked, but not surprised. But what a Gift, of life and a lovely voice. What lessons for all of us to learn from. Its worth pausing to think about. Lets consider the evils of addiction and evil associates, the slavery it brings us into for the evil they are. Lets think about the Christianity that does not get lived out in true freedom and holy living, as it should. Lets think about it and become better and safer because of it. This death was so unnecessary.
I feel so sorry in my heart for Whitney’s mother, Cissy and her daughter. It is so easy to blame the ex, and speak about things we know little about. Rest in Peace Whitney Houston.
Thank you, Tyler Perry, for stepping up in such a good way. Frank Robinson
Bronxgirl
February 14th, 2012
1:34 pm
@ Joe, please don’t forget that Jesse was there during the civil rights movement when innocent people were getting their brains bashed in; fighting for the right to use a public restroom.
carol anne
February 14th, 2012
1:55 pm
Drug and alcohol abuse causes so many horrible thing to our bodies. It can cause infections, pneumonia etc. What may not overdose one person can actually overdose and kill another. It’s like trading rooms on the Titantic, gettin on prescription drugs to get off street drugs.(the end results can sometimes be fatal from either). I will personally remember Whitney as very talented performer who touched my life with her beautiful music.
LDB
February 14th, 2012
2:36 pm
My best friend died of an addiction (alcohol) alone in June. It is very hard to deal with, especially knowing that you did all you knew to help. My heart and prayers goes out to her family, friends and loved ones. Whitney’s death is a shock to those of us who loved her………”I too will always love you Whitney”.
Lady T
February 14th, 2012
2:52 pm
First to God Be The Glory for the talents he had blessed Whitney with and that she used them to the best of her ability both spiritually and carnally. Who are we to judge may the life we live speak for us. Although she made some bad choices during her life she managed to touch other’s lives with her music. Thank you Whitney for giving of yourself and not demanding anything in return and I know God is very pleased with you because you had a personal relationship with him and that matters most of all. For He looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.Let the church say Amen!!! RIP May your loved ones left behind find the comfort they need in our Lord for He Is Able To Do All Things and He Has Everything They Need.
GloriaY
February 14th, 2012
3:18 pm
Whitney we love you, but God loves you best. Rest in Peace, and sing in the heavenly choir where your incredible voice will resound. To the grieving family,take strength in knowing that your beloved Whitney is in a place where there is no pain or suffering, and hope in the resurrection. Millions of people are with you and holding you up in our prayers.
B_kind
February 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
As Jesus said “He who hath no sin, cast the first stone”. My prayers are for Whitney’s family, friends, fans and even for those who are still crucifying her in death. Whitney had said in an interview years ago, “… pray for my soul …”. Can we all stop all the negativity and ask what can we do to prevent another situation like this occurring. Let us all be our brother and sister’s keepers. Let us reach out a helping hand, whether it is a prayer, a smile, a positive blog, a donation to an organization, be a volunteer. Let’s go back to the time when we were all watching for our neighbour.
JH
February 14th, 2012
4:15 pm
“She will be missed and her mark on this world will last for centuries to come!”
This kind of melodramatic statement is just crazy. Centuries? Do you actually believe that? Why must many of you be so over the top and off the mark with your comments? Your sentiments are dismissed and not taken seriously when you post such drivel! This shows absolutely no respect for the deceased.
This Tyler Perry must like the publicity he is getting. He probably made it very well known that HE was the one that provided the private jet service! JUST Sick!
22cookies
February 14th, 2012
4:30 pm
Wow, how painful is this? There is no one who can sing like Whitney. What an amazing gift of voice she pocessed. My heart and prayers go out to her daughter, her mother, sister and yes………… her ex husband. I don’t know where Bobby Brown is in his life. I pray he is drug free because Bobbie Kristina is going to need him. He is her father and Whitney was her mother. The love this child has for her parents is still a bond. A bond that will never go away. So my prayer is that God will always walk before Bobby when he speaks to her and comforts her in her time of need. I hope he can remeember the good times and lift Whitney up instead of put her down. Even though BK is 18, she’s still a child. Most of all I pray the entire family gets some help. Maybe……. just maybe they can give this young lady a fighting chance at this life. We all know she will never get over this but evenually she’ll be able to live with this as well as appreciate the joy and fun both her parents brought to this world. (Whitney more than Bobby) Y’all know we were dancing to Bobby Browns music too!!!!! So let’s just pray for all of them. R.I.P. Whitney.
Rusty
February 14th, 2012
5:24 pm
Irregardless of the cause of death, a beautiful daughter, mother, cousin, goddaughter is gone. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and close friends.
sc
February 15th, 2012
12:53 pm
Mr. Perry PRIVATE JET!!!!! HMMMM SOME PEOPLE WILL DO ANYTHING TO BE A PART OF THE HYPE. THE FAMILY DID NOT NEED THE GENEROSITY, NOR WAS IT NECESSARY. WE ALL KNOW YOU HAVE ATTACHED YOURSELF TO SOME OTHER BIG NAMES OUT THERE, AND YOU HAVE BE-FRIENDED THEM. HOWEVER, GETTING IN ON WHAT I SEE IS A STUNT FOR MORE MEDIA ATTENTION IS DOWN RIGHT TERRIBLE. IT MAKES US LOOK LIKE WE’RE NOT USE TO ANYTHING. (SHOW OFF). WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THAT FOR A B OR C LIST CELEB??? MS. HOUSTON FAMILY DID NOT NEED THAT. IF YOU WANT TO BE NOTED AS A GREAT PERSON HELP MAKE YOUR COMPANY AN ENTERPRISE WHERE NOT ONLY YOU CAN GET ALL THE CREDIT. YOU SEEM TO CAST PEOPLE WHO’VE ALREADY BEEN IN MOTION FILMS, AND NOT DEVELOPING STARS. A GOOD WRITER DOESN’T HAVE TO SALE THE STORY WITH ALREADY KNOWN FACES. THEY HAVE MADE THEIR MILLIONS AND THEY’RE OLD TO US. FRESH FACES WIN OSCARS. PRODUCE SOME OTHER WRITERS AND STOP ABSORBING ALL THE CREDIT. YOU’RE ALREADY A HERO TO SOME, SO YOU HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO PROVE, BUT TO BE THE GREATEST OF ALL, LEFT AND PULL SOME OTHERS UP. AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU WILL GET PAID FOR ALL THEIR WORK TOO, AND GET SOME CREDIT. ***REMEMBER WE ALL ARE A BREATH AWAY FROM HEAVEN OR HELL***
sc
February 15th, 2012
12:58 pm
PRIVATE JET!!!!! HMMMM SOME PEOPLE WILL DO ANYTHING TO BE A PART OF THE HYPE. THE FAMILY DID NOT NEED THE GENEROSITY, NOR WAS IT NECESSARY. WE ALL KNOW YOU HAVE ATTACHED YOURSELF TO SOME OTHER BIG NAMES OUT THERE, AND YOU HAVE BE-FRIENDED THEM. HOWEVER, GETTING IN ON WHAT I SEE IS A STUNT FOR MORE MEDIA ATTENTION IS DOWN RIGHT TERRIBLE. IT MAKES US LOOK LIKE WE’RE NOT USE TO ANYTHING. (SHOW OFF). WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THAT FOR A B OR C LIST CELEB??? MS. HOUSTON FAMILY DID NOT NEED THAT. IF YOU WANT TO BE NOTED AS A GREAT PERSON HELP MAKE YOUR COMPANY AN ENTERPRISE WHERE NOT ONLY YOU CAN GET ALL THE CREDIT. YOU SEEM TO CAST PEOPLE WHO’VE ALREADY BEEN IN MOTION FILMS, AND NOT DEVELOPING STARS. A GOOD WRITER DOESN’T HAVE TO SALE THE STORY WITH ALREADY KNOWN FACES. THEY HAVE MADE THEIR MILLIONS AND THEY’RE OLD TO US. FRESH FACES WIN OSCARS. PRODUCE SOME OTHER WRITERS AND STOP ABSORBING ALL THE CREDIT. YOU’RE ALREADY A HERO TO SOME, SO YOU HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO PROVE, BUT TO BE THE GREATEST OF ALL, LEFT AND PULL SOME OTHERS UP. AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU WILL GET PAID FOR ALL THEIR WORK TOO, AND GET SOME CREDIT. ***REMEMBER WE ALL ARE A BREATH AWAY FROM HEAVEN OR HELL***
dar
February 15th, 2012
6:59 pm
my prayer goes out to her family i think a lot about her daughter had hard this is on her and also her mother so sorry to hear the bad news i love to here her sing and act may god be with you i know this is hard on the family will keep you all in my prayer