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Whitney Houston death - New Jersey to fly flags at half-mast
Published Wednesday, Feb 15 2012, 15:30 GMT | By Justin Harp | 37 comments
New Jersey will commemorate Whitney Houston's death by flying all state and federal flags at half-mast when she is buried this weekend.
The state's governor Chris Christie announced at a press conference on Tuesday (February 14) that the New Jersey-born star's passing with be commemorated in the same way that Frank Sinatra and Clarence Clemons were honoured when they died.
"Obviously, Whitney Houston was an important part of the cultural fabric of this state… She is the pantheon of great New Jersey musical talents," Christie told the press.
The governor also sent a personal message to the Houston family, saying: "[Houston's] terribly premature death is an awful loss for her family and the incredible New Jersey musical family."
Houston will be laid to rest in her hometown of Newark, NJ on Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir as a young girl.
Initial reports suggested that a public memorial would be held on Friday at the Newark Prudential Centre, but the Houston family ultimately decided that a small-scale funeral would be the most appropriate way to grieve.
Houston was found dead in her hotel room on Saturday (February 11) at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
More Whitney Houston Coverage:
> Whitney Houston 1963-2012: Reactions
> Whitney Houston 1963-2012: Obituary
> Whitney Houston: A life in pictures
> Whitney Houston: Greatest musical achievements - pictures
> What is Whitney Houston's best song? Poll
> Clive Davis dedicates pre-Grammy party to Whitney Houston
> Whitney Houston to dominate singles, album charts next week
> Bobby Brown: "I love you, Whitney"
Watch Whitney Houston's 'Exhale' music video below:
The state's governor Chris Christie announced at a press conference on Tuesday (February 14) that the New Jersey-born star's passing with be commemorated in the same way that Frank Sinatra and Clarence Clemons were honoured when they died.
© Fiona Hanson/PA Archive/Press Association Images
"Obviously, Whitney Houston was an important part of the cultural fabric of this state… She is the pantheon of great New Jersey musical talents," Christie told the press.
The governor also sent a personal message to the Houston family, saying: "[Houston's] terribly premature death is an awful loss for her family and the incredible New Jersey musical family."
Houston will be laid to rest in her hometown of Newark, NJ on Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir as a young girl.
Initial reports suggested that a public memorial would be held on Friday at the Newark Prudential Centre, but the Houston family ultimately decided that a small-scale funeral would be the most appropriate way to grieve.
Houston was found dead in her hotel room on Saturday (February 11) at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
More Whitney Houston Coverage:
> Whitney Houston 1963-2012: Reactions
> Whitney Houston 1963-2012: Obituary
> Whitney Houston: A life in pictures
> Whitney Houston: Greatest musical achievements - pictures
> What is Whitney Houston's best song? Poll
> Clive Davis dedicates pre-Grammy party to Whitney Houston
> Whitney Houston to dominate singles, album charts next week
> Bobby Brown: "I love you, Whitney"
Watch Whitney Houston's 'Exhale' music video below:
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