Whitney Houston memorial service

Lore & Background

Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, the same night she was to attend Clive Davis's pre-Grammy party. Her body was flown back to New Jersey on February 13 via Tyler Perry's private jet. Plans for a public memorial at the Prudential Center were turned down by her mother, Cissy Houston, who said she 'shared Whitney with the public long enough.' Instead, the family chose a private, invitation-only funeral at New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston first sang solos as a preteen. The church seated more than 1,500.

Reader's Guide

The memorial service began at approximately 12:00 p.m. local time and extended to nearly 4:00 p.m. All New Jersey flags flew at half-staff in honor of Houston. Performers included Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Kim Burrell, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and R. Kelly. Bishop TD Jakes gave a sermon. Aretha Franklin pulled out for health reasons. Bobby Brown attended but left early after arguments over seating. Eulogies were delivered by Clive Davis, Kevin Costner, and Marvin Winans. Houston's casket was carried off as her rendition of 'I Will Always Love You' played. The service was preceded by a private wake at Whigham Funeral Home on February 17, which generated controversy after a photo of Houston in her open casket was leaked to the National Enquirer.

Did You Know?

• Houston's body was flown from California to New Jersey on Tyler Perry's private jet on February 13, 2012.
• The memorial service was invitation-only and held at New Hope Baptist Church, which seated more than 1,500.
• All New Jersey flags flew at half-staff on the day of the service.