Whitney Houston was laid to rest Saturday in her hometown of Newark, New Jersey, a week after her death at the age of 48.
The funeral was held at the New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston had made her start singing as a child. The service, which lasted more than four hours, drew a crowd of famous names, from gospel greats and R&B icons to Hollywood actors. Houston’s cousin Dionne Warwick introduced an all-star group of speakers and performers that included Houston’s Bodyguard co-star Kevin Costner, Stevie Wonder, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Tyler Perry and Alicia Keys. Aretha Franklin had been scheduled to perform, but had to withdraw due to illness.
In a service that balanced heartbroken mourning with a palpable sense
of joy in gospel music, many of the guests spoke of Houston’s faith and
her roots in the church.
