Whitney Houston’s funeral: Invitation-only
AP photo
Whitney Houston’s funeral will be an invitation-only event this Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she grew up singing with her mother, Cissy Houston, and her cousin, Dionne Warwick, TMZ reports.
It’s a good bet that Atlanta entertainment mogul Tyler Perry will make the cut; he arranged for Houston’s remains to be transported east via private plane.
There had been talk of some sort of public memorial at an 18,000-seat arena but that’s now scotched, according to a statement from the Newark mayor’s office: “In compliance with the family’s wishes the city is not moving forward with any public ceremony.”
The church posted a statement lamenting Houston’s death and requesting privacy on behalf of her family.
“We are saddened and our hearts are heavy at the news that Whitney Houston has passed away,” the church’s pastor, Joe A. Carter, said in the statement posted on the church’s web site. “Whitney called Newark home and we know that everyone, both near and far, are mourning the loss of this national treasure.”
TMZ, which has been posting updates in rapid-fire succession (including, helpfully, photos of the bathtub where Houston’s body was discovered and items she had ordered from room service earlier in the day), also quotes “family sources” indicating there had been an internal dispute regarding where the 48-year-old singer would be buried.
Cissy Houston and Warwick had selected Atlanta as Whitney Houston’s final resting place, feeling that she spent the happiest years of her life here. But the majority of the family preferred Houston’s native New Jersey, and apparently prevailed.
We will continue to post updates.
- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com
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96 comments Add your comment
Robert
February 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
Now that’s the DIVA attitude that Whitney would have given yawl….Hell yawl did not think her life was so Private when yawl were reading bad news about her or watching that TV show put her business in the Streets.. NOW SHE DEAD.. you wanna make her funeral private…..Yawl all are a bunch of Hypocrites….NOW WHAT…Puff be gone
tim
February 14th, 2012
4:27 pm
i’m whitney houston
i make too much money to do crack
crack is whack.
and so am i……….
Ed
February 14th, 2012
4:28 pm
Thank you, Tyler Perry.
and another thing...
February 14th, 2012
4:37 pm
Amen, Marlon, well said. Rest in PEACE, Ms. Houston.
Lighten Up....
February 14th, 2012
4:38 pm
“Self absorbed city that sucks”….Atlanta is not so irrelevant that you wouldn’t read the ATLANTA Journal and Constitution….
By the way, I’ve posted a link to CBS’s site about this very story, proving that this was indeed mentioned in the “national news”.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57377330-10391698/whitney-houston-funeral-to-be-held-saturday-in-n.j/
TJ
February 14th, 2012
4:39 pm
I agree with you Robert. It’s their decision. I would have like to see a home going service like they did for Michael Jackson. Public and televised. Whitney has already giving us so much now we expect even more after her death.
ROMEO
February 14th, 2012
4:42 pm
This is for Whitney”s mother Mrs Houston. That is your daughter and no on elses you do what you feel is best for you.This is one of the worse times for many familys when we lose someone we love . Everyone has something to say but no money. Did they rasie her no you did. I am not speaking to family members now because of this same reason.Bury her as soon as you can and try to put your life back together. I know you were so proud of your beautiful daughter. And we all loved her and we all ways will.Go take care of your daughter and get so rest baby.
ed
February 14th, 2012
4:46 pm
She may not have ended life as a role model, but her family demonstrates there is still a modicum of decorum for high profile blacks whose passing can be observed with dignity and without the usual hulabaloo associated with such sad events. Stop talking about the family owing Atlanta something. Atlanta owes the family the utmost respect for not yielding to those who would use the funeral to create a circus-like atmosphere for the benefit of other celebrities who want only to see and be seen.
This is Whitney’s ONE MOMENT IN TIME, and her last public appearance.
Vanessa
February 14th, 2012
4:46 pm
Wow, I can’t believe all you people on this site. A celebrity dies and everyone thinks they know someone just because you grew up with the music. It’s sad she’s gone, and the only person I feel for is her daughter!!! But, you people need to grow up!!!! The funeral is for the family, and close friends so get over it.
sad
February 14th, 2012
4:59 pm
Thoughts and prayers to her entire family.
Classless of TMZ to post the tub where she died.
Roadrunner
February 14th, 2012
5:01 pm
Personally, I think the family choosing to keep this private vs. putting on a public spectacle for the media such as Michael Jackson’s family did, shows a lot of class on their part. Rather than try to pump up album (I’m showing my age here) sales by keeping her name in front of all of us, they are instead choosing to honor her and grieve in private as all sane families would surely want. God bless her, her life was a mess at times, but whose isn’t at some point in their lives.
JH
February 14th, 2012
5:08 pm
“I would have like to see a home going service like they did for Michael Jackson. Public and televised. ”
Good grief, you people need to get over yourselves! Neither Michael Jackson nor Whitney Houston gave a rat’s a$$ about any of you, all they wanted was your money and for you to worship them. Congrats, because you helped to make them what they were (celebrities) and what they became (drug addicted / dead celebrities). Bravo, and now you want to be part of their last performance. Demented!
JH
February 14th, 2012
5:13 pm
“Were you invited to EVERY funeral you have attended?”
NO, but I personally knew the deceased. Whitney Houston would not give someone like you the time of day. You need to look in the mirror before you call someonenames. Seems the lowest common denominator like you doesn’t take a day off.
JH
February 14th, 2012
5:16 pm
@ Nasty and Evil – great name for yourself by the way!
Jenny C
February 14th, 2012
5:26 pm
Bobby Brown is hurting too. Even though she would not give us common folks the time of day, the family needs time to mourn too, especially Bobbie Christina. Thank you Tyler Perry for all the things you do and flying Whitney home.
Karmen
February 14th, 2012
5:29 pm
Who let Nasty and Evil out of the psycho ward to post? I agree, bottom line, if you did not know her personally then you have no business or say in the matter. All you that are crying and grieving over her need to seek medical attention. As said repeatedly, GET A LIFE!
Someone's Mother
February 14th, 2012
5:38 pm
Whitney you are gone but not forgotten. It seems as though everyone has forgotten that you were a human being, a mother, a daughter a aunt, and a child of God. I can’t seem to understand why so many are voicing their opinion about her “home going”. How many on this site that are complaining will be able to attend her ceremony. I loved Whitney and grew up on her music but I must also remember that we all fall short of the glory of God and I don’t live in a glass house. It is by the grace of God that i never tried drugs and never abused alcohol thorough my trials and tribulations. Please remember that we all have family members that are addicts of some nature and we would not like people speaking negatively about our family members.
Martha
February 14th, 2012
5:56 pm
“My prayers are with whitney’s family, such a great voice have gone to sleep for now, we love you young lady,RIP SISTER WHITNEY HOUSTON. for Jesus knows all about every thing.
4xtra
February 14th, 2012
6:03 pm
BOY
Some of you have TOO MUCH TIME ON YA HANDS.
She was a great singer but NOT AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.
Why are you mad because this is a private funeral?
Some of you do not need internet access because if there was a law on ignorance
YOU WOULD NEVER GET OFF PROBATION
SallyB
February 14th, 2012
6:16 pm
I think that would be “the church only SEATS about 300…..
IJS,....
February 14th, 2012
6:22 pm
Even though everyone loved Whitney, I do feel that certain family/ friends events should be just that, family & friends. We were not invited to the wedding, the baby shower, birthday celebrations,…ect. so, why on earth would anyone feel that her home-going should be made public? just cherish the memory of her lovely & powerful voice and continue praying for her family. ijs,…..
Where does Whitney live? - Page 4 - City-Data Forum
February 14th, 2012
7:19 pm
[...] Originally Posted by alinka72 I find it hilarious how petty are the observations of Atlantans when it comes to celebrities living in Atlanta… WH and BB have been in dire straits for years before her passing and they reached rock bottom while residing in Atlanta. Nothing to be proud about. According to this article, her mother and Dionne Warwick wanted her buried in Atlanta because her happiest years were in Atlanta. Whitney Houston’s funeral: Invitation-only | The Buzz [...]
chris
February 14th, 2012
7:58 pm
Her beautiful music left an imprint in all our hearts of a special time and place when ever they played her music certain songs bring me back too a certain place and time and what was going on it was a beautiful moment thats what iam left with everytime i hear her music.
scott
February 14th, 2012
8:06 pm
this beautiful woman had it all..beautiful voice with a range out of this world its almost like she went out of the way to ruin her image and her voice… back in her peak years to me her and Diana ross were the queens of class and dignity and well known through out the world..she could have really had anything she wanted until she got involved with common street trash called bobby brown her life and voice and career spirled downward along with her image afterwards….its a sad day as a white male whitney houston was a very beautiful and i had a crush on her for years..very stunning talented woman
PA Barks
February 14th, 2012
8:11 pm
I want to send my deepest condolences to the family in your their time of need. No one can understand the depth of your loss only God can. So, keep your head held high and stay prayed up.
Life will get better in time and you will learn to accept God’s will and his mercy.
Sage
February 14th, 2012
8:26 pm
Even though I’m 22,I grew up with Ms. Whitney music because my parents got to be like her biggest fans.I feel that Ms.Whitney was a very down to earth lady and I TOTALLY love her talent and she will be surely missed by those that loved and admired her artistry…..
Shelly
February 14th, 2012
8:28 pm
To the Houston Family and Closest Friends you truly have my deepest sympathy. Growing up I too listened and watched Whitney. May your hearts esp. her Daughter find peace-have Faith in God for he knows what is best. I will say it will take years for peace esp with the loss of a Mother there is always someone to fill that empty space but a Mother can Never be replaced. May your Family look for guidance though our Lordand God.
anthony
February 14th, 2012
8:57 pm
My heart goes out to the family , and the daughter and a nation and around the world that grieves, as a fan of whitney houston, really love her music and Beauty,she was truly a Queen, may God bless the Houston family, like many around the world im truly sadden.
Charee Bridges
February 14th, 2012
9:08 pm
To the Houston Family, May God truly keep his loving arms around you all. I know exactly what you’re going through. Remember to keep God 1st and you will prevail with his grace and mercy. To all the Musicians, Vocalist, Parents, Children, Honorary Friends, Family and Non-Family members and all who feel the pain throughout the entire world. Whitney was beautiful legend and will be sadly missed. May she RIP. I knew she loved the world and the world truly loved her. She will be missed and truly not forgotten. I asked we embrace our loving arms throughout the world to the mother(Cissy) and daughter (Bobbi) God-mother (Aretha Franklin) cousin (Dionne Warwick) and entire family. Atlanta Georgia loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!! Charee Bridges (Blondie)
angel
February 14th, 2012
9:18 pm
Thank god for the way micheal jacksons family did his funeral. Whitneys could take a lesson from people who respect the fact that his fans deserved to say goodbye too. its a tragic loss but because of thier coldnes to her fans i will be glad when i dont have to hear anymore about this.
fluffer
February 14th, 2012
9:55 pm
The sad thing is Houston, like Winehouse, Hendrick, Joplin, Jackson, and the list goes on and on were junkies or boozers or both and that is what took her life so young….She is at peace now and no demons to deal with any longer. May she rest in peace…….
darb
February 14th, 2012
10:43 pm
“Buried in Atlanta”, give me a break. Im happy she wont be buried here. She lived the good life, but went up in flames, and finally that blew up too.
Nurlman from Accountemps
February 15th, 2012
8:31 am
This is to “Anita” that works at acountemps. What are YOU doing in MR FERNWELLS office with the door locked? The staff hears strange sounds in there!! Thats one way to move up the corporate ladder I guess.
The TRUTH hurts
February 15th, 2012
8:39 am
Whitney, sadly was just another junkie / drunk – only she could sing. Tell me another difference?
starek
February 15th, 2012
9:17 am
Who knows do the family have that type of money to rent a place for public viewing . I’m sure it would cost a lot’s of money . It do sceem strange for them to have a one time service @ such a small church .There ar other churches that are larger I’m sure that that they coul use . All her close family & friend can bearly be seated in that church .Maybe money is the problem . You don’t know peopel money issues .
just saying
February 15th, 2012
9:54 am
She was another celebrity who lived a fast and reckless life. If you want to celebrate her go and buy her music and keep her memory alive for you.
Myrhanda Fields
February 15th, 2012
10:38 am
With heartfelt sympathy. The nation will truly miss your beautiful love one. She had the most beautiful smile and that voice was untouchable. God have gained a great angel with that angelic voice. May God wrap his shield of healing around your family and the nation who truly loved her.
Myrhanda Fields
darb
February 15th, 2012
11:00 pm
I know Tyler Perry arranged for the private jet that flew her body back to NJ
Kitty
February 16th, 2012
1:42 pm
OMG, you people are so crazy. Let the family do what they want to with thier loved one. That’s thier business. Have some repsect while your at it, too. No matter how she lived or died she was still some ones mother, daughter, sister and so forth. AND stop trashing Atlanta too. Good Grief!
darb
February 16th, 2012
4:28 pm
As a native Atlantan, I know what Im talking about. Atlanta was always a great town until “the change” occured, now it’s just another toilet.
Alice Evans
February 17th, 2012
12:52 pm
I am deeply saddened over the passing of Whitney Houston. However, her musical legacy will be with us always! Her melodies are timeless! I thank God she was with us as long as she was…… Now, I pray that her daughter will be able to endure the pain she has at this time and allow God to restore her… God Bless his family and go with them as they try to go on without their Beloved Whitney……………………
Dwee
February 17th, 2012
3:07 pm
Enter your comments here What difference does it make what any of our opinions are? Enough already! We might have been fans of Whitney’s, but we were neither family nor friends. Let it go folks and let her FAMILY and FRIENDS mourn the death of their loved one. R.I.P. Whitney!
Shawn
February 17th, 2012
6:51 pm
Whitney’s body should have laid in state at the arena in NJ to give her fans closure. Then the family could have had their own private ceremony. It sounds like they made funeral arrangements very fast without the fans in mind. I definitely believe Bobbi Kristina has the right to grieve without an audience. No matter what, Whitney was a great mom. I can’t stop watching the videos of Whitney and Bobbi on stage.
darb
February 18th, 2012
3:27 pm
Im here to say that Im sick and tired of this whole thing. The lady was a very good singer, granted, but she wasnt the president who got assassinated. She is a popular singer who’s life had hit the skids, and now she is dead. Please lets put this whole thing in the ground with her.
sirwinston1941
February 18th, 2012
3:50 pm
Mr. Robert, I do understand that we realize that funerals are for the living. Our way to pay our respect is to be there if we can. Her mother said that the world had her for 38 years…and she wanted to have her home for herself. We all say things we really don’t mean, and I see it is personal to you to be there. Looking at the church and those already there as well as those standing outside, you do see why her mother wanted a private service; I am sure with thousands being there in and around the church it will be uncontrollable. You can still be there physically if not to day and while you feel you should go or be there it might be a reason why things don’t always work out in our favor. Count it as a blessing that her funeral was openly televised where it could be seen live. God Bless
darb
February 19th, 2012
9:28 am
Thank goodness she goes into the ground finally today. Lets bury this story as soon as we find out what really was the cause of death