The singing sensation and Grammy award winner Whitney Houston will be laid to rest on Saturday in the New Hope Baptist Church where she started singing while growing up.
A few blocks will be cordoned from the church and fans are warned to stay off, the Newark Director Samuel DeMaio urged fans to watch the funeral on television – U.S. networks are planning to broadcast the event – and he added there would be no procession from the funeral home where Houston’s body is resting to the church.
Whitney’s godmother Aretha Franklin and music Legend Stevie Wonder will be performing at the private funeral of Whitney Houston, also attending the funeral is long time family friend Marvin Winans, 57 year old actor Kelvin Costner who starred in the popular movie in 1992 “The Bodyguard’’ along side with the late singer will lead the tribute session.
Oprah Winfrey whom the late singer calls “Aunt Ree” has also been invited to the private funeral.
Whitney’s ex-husband Bobby Brown is restricted from attending by the late pop star’s mother Cissy as they blame him for the issues with drugs she had throughout her life, Bobby insisted earlier this week that he will be attending.
Organisers are getting the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark ready for the funeral. Drums and speakers, which are to be part of the musical service, are in the aisles.
Fans without invitations will be kept far away. Newark police say streets will be shut down for six square blocks around the church.
Whitney and Bobby’s 18-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina is set to see the ‘I Will Always Love You’ hit maker’s body for the first time later today at the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark.
Houston died Saturday in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 48.