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| Whitney Houston’s Casket |
After a long day of grieving and celebrating the lost life of Whitney Houston, she was finally laid to rest today in Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ. Whitney was buried beside her father, John Russell Houston, who died in 2003 at the age of 82 after a long battle with diabetes and heart disease. The service was limited to immediate family only. There was a brief viewing for immediate family before the service. The casket arrived in a gold colored hearse and was followed by two gold stretch limousines carrying immediate family. There were five or six other cars in the family processional.
Two people with major impact on Whitney’s life, Aretha Franklin and Bobby Brown were unable to attend the service yesterday. Aretha declined to attend citing health issues (She is 69). Bobby Brown and his girlfriend and children were briefly in attendance after being admitted and seated by security. However, after seating them in the first row, it appears that some of Whitney’s family took exception and asked the party to move to other seating. Apparently, they were asked to move again after relocating and eventually left feeling unwelcome. Attempts by Bobby Brown to approach Bobbi Kristina were blocked by security. Both Aretha and Bobby Brown performed concerts last evening. Bobby performed a New Edition concert as part of a pre-scheduled tour. Aretha also performed at Radio City Music Hall. Both singers dedicated a portion of their performance to Whitney.
Aretha was well enough to perform at Radio City Music Hall but couldn't make it a few miles away to Newark. That is an insult to the Houston family. As for Booby Brown, who cares. NJB
I feel like there is more to the Aretha story. Maybe she felt slighted in some way. Apparently she was supposed to sing I'll always love you when the casket was carried out. Maybe there was an incident between her and Cissy? Maybe she wanted to have Dionne's role in the service? Something. I am sure it will air in coming days.
I too was really surprised about Aretha … seemed so odd she was not there.
While I think Bobby Brown is a douche, I think once he was seated – he should have been allowed to stay. You can't tell me they didn't discuss where to put him when they were planning this event. And Aretha…interesting.WD
There is nothing interesting about the Aretha story. It is what it is. Simply put she probably should not have performed last night due to health concerns.