Whitney Houston: The final goodbye

Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, was given a farewell by her close family and friends in a private ceremony.

  • Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, was given a farewell by her close family and friends in a private ceremony.<br><br> Seen in the picture: Candles burn at a memorial to Whitney Houston outside New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
    Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, was given a farewell by her close family and friends in a private ceremony.

    Seen in the picture: Candles burn at a memorial to Whitney Houston outside New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
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  • The hearse carrying the body of Whitney Houston leaves Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, N.J. for a short ride to the New Hope Baptist Church for her funeral.
    The hearse carrying the body of Whitney Houston leaves Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, N.J. for a short ride to the New Hope Baptist Church for her funeral.
  • A coffin holding the remains of singer Whitney Houston is carried into the New Hope Baptist Church before funeral services.
    A coffin holding the remains of singer Whitney Houston is carried into the New Hope Baptist Church before funeral services.
  • The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, leaves Whigham Funeral Home after visiting with the family of Whitney Houston before going to the New Hope Baptist Church for her funeral in Newark, N.J.
    The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, leaves Whigham Funeral Home after visiting with the family of Whitney Houston before going to the New Hope Baptist Church for her funeral in Newark, N.J.
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  • Bobby Brown, former husband of the late Whitney Houston performs with New Edition at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012. During an introduction segment between songs, Brown pointed skyward and offered blessings for his ex-wife and said he loved her.
    Bobby Brown, former husband of the late Whitney Houston performs with New Edition at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012. During an introduction segment between songs, Brown pointed skyward and offered blessings for his ex-wife and said he loved her.
  • Singer Bobby Brown is seen outside as the funeral of his ex-wife Whitney Houston was taking place at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
    Singer Bobby Brown is seen outside as the funeral of his ex-wife Whitney Houston was taking place at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
  • Singer Stevie Wonder, right, leaves the funeral service for Whitney Houston at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
    Singer Stevie Wonder, right, leaves the funeral service for Whitney Houston at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
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  • Singer Alicia Keys, center, leaves after a funeral service for Whitney Houston at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
    Singer Alicia Keys, center, leaves after a funeral service for Whitney Houston at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
  • Concession workers at the United Center, watch actor Kevin Costner eulogize Whitney Houston before an NBA basketball game between the Chicago Bulls and the New Jersey Nets, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.
    Concession workers at the United Center, watch actor Kevin Costner eulogize Whitney Houston before an NBA basketball game between the Chicago Bulls and the New Jersey Nets, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.
  • The coffin holding the remains of singer Whitney Houston is carried to a hearse after funeral services at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
    The coffin holding the remains of singer Whitney Houston is carried to a hearse after funeral services at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
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  • Whitney Houston fans gather around a television in a mobile phone store a few blocks from the New Hope Baptist Church to watch the singer's funeral.
    Whitney Houston fans gather around a television in a mobile phone store a few blocks from the New Hope Baptist Church to watch the singer's funeral.
  • Fans sign a large poster while they gather on the streets near the New Hope Baptist Church as a private funeral for singer Whitney Houston is held at the church on February 18, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey.
    Fans sign a large poster while they gather on the streets near the New Hope Baptist Church as a private funeral for singer Whitney Houston is held at the church on February 18, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Mourners walk past the hearse with Whitney Houston's casket after her funeral at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
    Mourners walk past the hearse with Whitney Houston's casket after her funeral at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
  • Fans sing near the funeral service for singer Whitney Houston at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.
    Fans sing near the funeral service for singer Whitney Houston at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.
  • A fan wipes back tears at a memorial for singer Whitney Houston set up outside New Hope Baptist Church on February 17, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey.
    A fan wipes back tears at a memorial for singer Whitney Houston set up outside New Hope Baptist Church on February 17, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey.
  • A man reads messages at Whitney Houston's memorial.
    A man reads messages at Whitney Houston's memorial.
  • Fans gather at a memorial to Whitney Houston outside the New Hope Baptist Church.
    Fans gather at a memorial to Whitney Houston outside the New Hope Baptist Church.
  • A person stops at a memorial to Whitney Houston outside New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
    A person stops at a memorial to Whitney Houston outside New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
  • The New Jersey police chief asked Whitney Houston's fans to maintain distance from the star's funeral. Fans have been advised to stay home and watch it on TV instead.
    The New Jersey police chief asked Whitney Houston's fans to maintain distance from the star's funeral. Fans have been advised to stay home and watch it on TV instead.