Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music’s queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, has died. She was 48. Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unclear.
Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen told KABC-TV that Houston died in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton. Her body remained in the hotel and Beverly Hills detectives were investigating.
At her peak in the 1980s and ’90s, Houston the golden girl of the music industry and one of the world’s best-selling artists.
Among her hits were “How Will I Know,” “Saving All My Love for You” and “I Will Always Love You.” She won multiple Grammys including album and record of the year.
Her success carried her beyond music to movies like “The Bodyguard.”
But by the end of her career, drug use took its toll as her record sales plummeted and her voice became raspy and hoarse.
“The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy,” Houston told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.
The New York Times wrote that Houston “possesses one of her generation’s most powerful gospel-trained voices, but she eschews many of the churchier mannerisms of her forerunners. She uses ornamental gospel phrasing only sparingly, and instead of projecting an earthy, tearful vulnerability, communicates cool self-assurance and strength, building pop ballads to majestic, sustained peaks of intensity.”
Quincy Jones said in a statement Saturday night: “I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney’s passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just sixteen, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly.”
Hollywood types, including those in the music industry, weighed in on Houston’s passing:
Mariah Carey, whose “When You Believe” duet with Houston appeared in the 1998 DreamWorks animated film The Prince of Egypt was “heartbroken” over her friend’s passing: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.” She went on to say, “She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”
Ryan Seacrest, who was at Grammys rehearsal, described the atmosphere: “At Grammys rehearsal hearing Whitney Houston has passed away at 48. Everyone here is absolutely stunned.”
Christina Aguilera wrote Friday evening to her nearly 1 million Twitter followers: “We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney’s family. She will be missed.”
Rihanna also chimed in: “No words! Just tears #DearWhitney”
In a message to his followers, Justin Bieber said, “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.”
Tony Bennett wrote: “It’s a tragedy. Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I’ve ever heard and she will be truly missed.”
“She’s paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble…1 the best in the world,” Toni Braxton tweeted. The singer sent out a previous message to her Twitter followers upon hearing the news: “My heart is weeping…RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!! Such an incredible influence over music as a whole!”
Glee star Lea Michele wrote: “I’m speechless. Such sad news about Whitney Houston..”
Demi Lovato, who had taken time off to deal with personal issues, cited one of Houston’s well-known songs: “I Look To You – Whitney Houston…. :'(”
“This is the saddest thing I’ve ever had to write in my life, R I P to one of the greatest humans that I have ever known Whitney Houston,” Wyclef Jean said.
Cee Lo Green, a fellow coach with Aguilera on The Voice, wrote: “R.I.P. Sister WHITNEY HOUSTON!!!!! We will always love you.”
Jermaine Dupri wrote: “OMG!!! Whitney Houston died, No way !!!”
Adam Shankman, who choreographed one of Houston’s music videos, wrote: “I choreographed I’m your baby tonight miss you angel.”
Sean Kingston wrote shortly after news broke, calling her a “beautiful soul”: “WOWOW R.I.P To A Beautiful Soul.. Beautiful Person… A Legend.. And Someone we will never FORGET!!! WOW Life Is Short Man SMH”
Ricky Gervais wrote: “An amazing talent & a tragic soul.”
“Whitney Houston gone. Voice of a lifetime. So sad,” actor Rob Lowe said.
Carson Daly, who hosted MTV’s TRL and leads The Voice and Last Call, was saddened to learn of her death: “Sick to learn of Whitney Houston’s passing. On Clive Davis’s big night. Prayers to her family. So sad.”
Filmmaker Spike Lee paid respects to the singer: “God Bless The Dead. Whitney Houston R.I.P. She Was Only 48 Years Young.”
CNN host Piers Morgan was “stunned” by Houston’s passing, writing, “Stunned by Whitney Houston’s death at just 48 – one of the greatest voices ever heard. #RIP”
Kathy Griffin joined in on paying tribute to the singer: She was A TALENT & A LEGEND. She was never a “reality star” No jokes from me about Miss Houston today.