Whitney Houston (1963-2012)

With the passing of Whitney Houston, a great number of celebrities has either spoke out or taken to Twitter to express their sincere condolences for the musical icon.

(Photo credit by JOCHEN LUEBKE/AFP/Getty Images)

Bobby Brown

Ex-husband of Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown On Mississippi stage: 'I love you, Whitney'

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. (CBS SF/AP) - It was an emotional night for soul singer Bobby Brown as he performed Saturday night before thousands just hours after learning that his ex-wife Whitney Houston had died in Beverly Hills.


"First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all," he told fans gathered at a nearly sold-out 7,500-seat venue in northern Mississippi. "Second, I would like to say, `I love you, Whitney.' The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage."


Brown took the stage as part of the New Edition reunion tour at the Landers Center in Southaven, close to Memphis, Tenn. He said he decided to go on with the performance because fans had shown their loyalty to the group New Edition for more than 25 years. He performed about 10 songs over more than hour - "My Preogative" and "Mr. Telephone Man" among them - before he appeared visibly shaken on stage.


Brown suddenly appeared overcome with emotion as the concert wound down, wiping his face with his vest as the group prepared to sing a ballad. When the song began, he joined in, but his voice cracked. He then waved to the fans and walked off stage. The show ended shortly afterward.

(Photo credit should read LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP/Getty Images)

Cissy Houston

Whitney Houston's mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, issued the following statement: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends."

(Pictured) Singer Cissy Houston and daughter singer Whitney Houston
(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Alicia Keys @aliciakeys and Clive Davis

I feel sick.... Life is precious, we are fragile souls. Let's love each other! I miss you beautiful Whitney, the whole world misses you!!

With celebrities ranging from Dr. Dre to Tony Bennett in attendance, a somber Davis, reading from a sheet of paper, said: "I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me. She was full of life, looking forward for tonight. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrated music."

He added: "Whitney was a beautiful person and she had a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage ... so many times. So simply put: Whitney would have wanted the music to go on."

He dedicated the evening to her and asked for a moment of silence as a photo of the 48-year-old, hands wide open, looking to the sky, appeared on the screen.
Then, he said with excitement: "Now ladies and gentlemen, let the music begin."

(L-R) Alicia Keys, Clive Davis and Whitney Houston (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

Jennifer Hudson

"It was the greatest honor of my life to be able to be the one to pay tribute to Whitney's memory," Hudson, 30, told Us Weekly. "It was from my heart. I haven't stopped crying since she passed. Her family is in my prayers."

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Dolly Parton, who wrote the original version of "I Will Always Love you," which Houston later sang for the film "The Bodyguard."

"Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, `Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed."

"Like everybody else, I am still in shock," Parton revealed. "But I know that Whitney will live forever in all the great music that she left behind. I will always have a very special piece of her in the song we shared together and had the good fortune to share with the world. Rest in peace, Whitney. Again, we will always love you."

(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Mariah Carey @MariahCarey

Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.

Singers Mariah Carey (L) and Whitney Houston perform "When You Believe" (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

Lionel Richie

"I am devastated by the loss of Whitney. We have lost a true angel. My prayers, my heart goes out to her family. We have lost an extraordinary voice to the world."

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Elton John, from the stage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, before dedicating the song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to Houston.

"This is a sad day today, all I want to talk about is her music. She was the most beautiful woman I think I ever saw.... Thank you for giving us your talent, and one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard."

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) and her brother, Randy Jackson (@randyjackson8)

"We honor and celebrate the life of one of the world's most gifted vocalists and talented entertainers, Whitney Houston. Although we are all saddened by her sudden passing and will miss her, we respectfully ask everyone to consider her family at this time of difficulty by granting them the patience and comfort they need to mourn their loss in peace."

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Lady Gaga

"When I wrote Born This Way I imagined Whitney singing it because I wasn't secure enough to be a star"

(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Barbra Streisand

"She had everything, beauty, a magnificent voice. How sad her gifts could not bring her the same happiness they brought us."

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child

"I truly, truly adored Whitney Houston. Her album `I'm Your Baby Tonight' was the very first album I ever bought."

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Barry Manilow

"I can't believe that Whitney is gone. My heart goes out to her family, to Clive (Davis), and to everyone who knew and loved this amazingly talented and beautiful artist. I will always love her."

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Tony Bennett @itstonybennett

"Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed."

(Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy)

Rev. Al Sharpton

"The morning of the Grammys, the world should pause and pray for the memory of a gifted songbird."

(Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images)

Jennifer Lopez

"Such a loss. One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family... #R.I.P.Whitney"

(Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images)

Smokey Robinson

"I've known Whitney since she was a little girl and I loved her. She was like family to me. I will miss her."

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

India.Arie

"I think her contribution was her excellence of all levels. She was outstandingly gorgeous, an excellent performer ... Excellent vocalist. She was excellent on some many levels, and set the standard for what it is to be a great female artist."

(Photo by Sandy Young/ Getty Images for Nobel Peace Prize Concert)

Aretha Franklin @ArethaFranklin

My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby.

(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Ne-Yo @NeYoCompound

#tweegram We love you Whitney Houston...

(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Paula Abdul @paulaabdul

I am devastated. I am absolutely devastated at the news about Whitney Houston. Such a tragic, tragic loss.

(Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images)

Jessica Simpson @JessicaSimpson

I found my voice singing Whitney Houston's music. Today I lost my idol.

(Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)

Nick Cannon @NickCannon

Tell our loved ones how much we love them while they're still here. I wish I could've told Whitney how great she was one last time...

(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

Rihanna @rihanna

Feels so strange being at the Grammy rehearsal right now!!

(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes @BusaBusss

Can't believe we've lost another 1 of our Royalty. Sister Queen Whitney Houston. God Bless on ur journey as u now stand with the Most High.

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Bette Midler @BetteMidler

Please, please someone tell me it's not true...

(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Fabolous @myfabolouslife

Another 1 of the best movie & soundtrack combinations ever... #RipWhitneyHouston #NobodyCouldTouchWhitneyBac

(Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images)

P!nk @Pink

Whitney was the reason many of us do what we do. "a few stolen moments is all that we share" RIP

(Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

Bow Wow @BowWow

I remember driving to Her house to meet her daughter one day & got lost on my GPS not knowing she lived up da block from me. #Willbemissed

(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

Kelly Rowland @KELLYROWLAND

My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to her daughter, her mother and to all of her loved ones.

(Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Gloria Estefan @GloriaEstefan

Shocked we’ve lost the immensely talented Whitney Houston! Sending prayers of peace & solace 2 her family, friends & fans! Such a loss!

Estefan also tweeted her grief in Spanish. Siento mucho la perdida de Whitney Houston! Enviando oraciones a su familia, amigos y fans para que tengan paz durante este momento difícil!

(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NCLR)

Toni Braxton @tonibraxton

She’s paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble…1 the best in the world

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

LaToya Jackson @latoyajackson

I can’t fathom the fact that #whitneyhouston has died! My heart goes out 2 her mother, daughter & her love ones. #Whitney U will be missed!

(Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Adam Shankman @adammshankman

"I choreographed I’m your baby tonight miss you angel"

(Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images For Elle Magazine)

Solange Knowles @solangeknowles

I will always remember Whitney Houston as a true, outstanding, talent. A radiant beauty. A magical smile. A voice that made you shiver.

(Photo by Michael Roman/Getty Images for Sephora)

P. Diddy @iamdiddy

Whitney Houston!!! OMG!! I really can't believe this.. This is one of the saddest days ever.

(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Christina Aguilera @TheRealXtina

We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed.

(Photo by Tim Alban/Getty Images)

Missy Elliott @MissyElliott

Thank u 4 the times we worked 2gether your Voice touched the World! N this rough time I pray for The Houston Family...

(Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images)

Ryan Seacrest @RyanSeacrest

At Grammys rehearsal hearing Whitney Houston has passed away at 48. Everyone here is absolutely stunned.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Queen Latifah @IAMQUEENLATIFAH

Oh Dear Lord! Huritng so Bad!!! MY Sister Whitney!!!!!!! Newark please Pray!!! World Please Pray

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Justin Bieber

"Just heard the news. so crazy ...One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family I am sadden to hear of the passing of Whitney Houston today..."

(Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Wyclef Jean

"The voice of an Angel, the Heart of a Lamb, the spirit of a Lioness, the presence of a Goddess, love you R.I.P Whitney Houston."

(Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images for Motorola Xoom)

Jane Fonda @Janefonda

Stunned by #Whitney’s death. So sad. Going to Clive’s pre-Grammy party. She was his darling. Whew

(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Eddie Murphy

R.I.P. Whitney Houston. #Retweet for Respect 1-Love, 1-Legend, 1-Nation!

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian @KimKardashian

Just heard the tragic news that Whitney Houston passed away. I pray for her daughter & loved ones. We will always love you Whitney…

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For J/P Haitian Relief Organization and Cinema For Peace)

Joan Rivers @Joan_Rivers

Whitney Houston. What a sad tragedy-the end of the life of an incredible talent. RIP to an amazing singer and legend.

(Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images for LensCrafters)

Rosie O’Donnell @Rosie

Dear God … There is a grief that can’t be spoken #DEVASTATED

(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Serena Williams @serenawilliams

#OneMomentInTime has propelled me to many of my grand slams victories. #whitneyhouston

(Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)

Kelly Osbourne @misskellyo

i truly hope you are in peace #WhitneyHouston i feel so honored to have known you! i love you RIP!

(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images For Teen Vogue)

Goldie Hawn @goldiehawn

I am so very sad to hear of Whitney Houston’s passing. She was one of our great artist that graced us all. May she rest in peace.

(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Terry McMillan @MsTerryMcMillan

"And what about her daughter?"

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)

Kathy Griffin @kathygriffin

“She was A TALENT & A LEGEND. She was never a “reality star” No jokes from me about Miss Houston today.”

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Kris Jenner @KrisJenner

So so sad that Whitney Houston died.. praying for her daughter and her family…tragic..just heartbreaking..amazing talent, amazing voice..

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Reality Rocks)

Nancy O’Dell @NancyODell

“I am in shock and so sad…Whitney Houston reported dead.”

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Jackie Collins @jackiejcollins

Whitney Houston is dead. A beautiful & talented woman RIP Whitney

(Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

LeVar Burton @levarburton

Damn! I don’t even known what to say… #RIPWhitney

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Rita Wilson @RitaWilson

“So terribly sad. Whitney Houston should have lived a long life. Her gift was God given.”

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Robin Quivers @rqui

Whitney, we missed you even before you were gone. RIP.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Tori Spelling @torianddean

N shock about Whitney Houston’s death.Not shocked media already talking abt wht led2 it. She was a legend. Let her family&fans mourn&shut up

(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Rick Dees @rickdees

Such a voice, such an incomparable, moving talent. There will never be anyone like Whitney. God bless

(Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

Forest Whitaker @ForestWhitaker

May gods breath surround you, Whitney. And may you be held in the arms of the angels. Please, pray to comfort all those who hold her dear

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Actor Forest Whitaker attends the premiere of "My Own Love Song" during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images For Tribeca Film Festival)

Cheryl Burke @CherylBurke

So sad to be writing this. My prayers go out to her family. RIP Whitney Houston.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Melanie Brown (Mel B) @OfficialMelB

such a sad sad day,Whitney Houston is no longer with us,what a loss,she will be missed!!!!

(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Sinbad @sinbadbad

I will always live that girl... Her voice is unmatched. People were so caught up in the negative stuff... They forgot she was Baddddd

(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Sherri Shepherd @SherriEShepherd

Vesta Williams ... Whitney Houston ... too soon ... can't make sense of it.

(Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for WE tv)

Kimora Lee Simmons @OfficialKimora

RIP Whitney my lady... Always one of the Most Beautiful! Maybe now u will be at peace....love you and the family forever. ♥

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Nene Leakes @NeNeLeakes

RIP Whitney Houston! My God hold u & keep u

(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

Holly Robinson Peete @hollyrpeete

“@MariahCarey: Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.”

(Photo by Michael Caulfield/Getty Images)

Ellen Degeneres @TheEllenShow

Very sad news about Whitney. My heart and prayers go out to her daughter and family.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Sanaa Lathan @justsanaa

Sweet angel Whitney... One of the greatest that ever was...

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Russell Simmons @UncleRUSH

R.I.P. Whitney Houston, really can't believe this...

(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Khloe Kardashian @KhloeKardashian

I will always love you Whitney Houston...

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Neil Patrick Harris @ActuallyNPH

Such sad news about Whitney Houston. She was a legend, but what a life..! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Alyssa Milano @Alyssa_Milano

My husband just told me about Whitney Houston. My heart aches. Rest in peace, beautiful lady.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)