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Whitney Houston death - NJ governor defends half-mast flag decree
Published Thursday, Feb 16 2012, 16:48 GMT | By Justin Harp | 17 comments
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has defended his decision to lower state and federal flags to half-mast in recognition of Whitney Houston's death.
The governor announced this week that the state will honour Houston's passing on Saturday (February 18) by lowering its flags, just as it did when fellow New Jersey residents Frank Sinatra and Clarence Clemons died.
Christie has since come under fire from some constituents as well as the media for choosing to honour Houston, who admitted during the final years of her life that she had battled drug addiction.
The politician addressed the controversy during a press briefing on Thursday and said he is committed to going ahead with New Jersey's tribute to Houston.
"I am disturbed by people who believe that because of her ultimate demise - and we don't know what is the cause of her death yet - but because of her history of substance abuse that somehow she's forfeited the good things that she did in her life. I just reject that on a human level," Christie said, reports The AP.
"What I would say to everybody is there but for the grace of God go I."
Houston's funeral is to take place in Newark, NJ at the New Hope Baptist Church, where the popstar sang as a child.
Aretha Franklin has been asked to sing at the service, which will be attended by Houston's on-off boyfriend Ray J, Brandy, LA Reid and Reverend Jesse Jackson.
The funeral will be streamed on the internet and on television.
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
> Whitney Houston to dominate singles, album charts next week
> Bobby Brown: "I love you, Whitney"
Watch Whitney Houston's 'So Emotional' music video below:
The governor announced this week that the state will honour Houston's passing on Saturday (February 18) by lowering its flags, just as it did when fellow New Jersey residents Frank Sinatra and Clarence Clemons died.
Christie has since come under fire from some constituents as well as the media for choosing to honour Houston, who admitted during the final years of her life that she had battled drug addiction.
© Sipa Press/Rex Features
The politician addressed the controversy during a press briefing on Thursday and said he is committed to going ahead with New Jersey's tribute to Houston.
"I am disturbed by people who believe that because of her ultimate demise - and we don't know what is the cause of her death yet - but because of her history of substance abuse that somehow she's forfeited the good things that she did in her life. I just reject that on a human level," Christie said, reports The AP.
"What I would say to everybody is there but for the grace of God go I."
Houston's funeral is to take place in Newark, NJ at the New Hope Baptist Church, where the popstar sang as a child.
Aretha Franklin has been asked to sing at the service, which will be attended by Houston's on-off boyfriend Ray J, Brandy, LA Reid and Reverend Jesse Jackson.
The funeral will be streamed on the internet and on television.
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
> Whitney Houston to dominate singles, album charts next week
> Bobby Brown: "I love you, Whitney"
Watch Whitney Houston's 'So Emotional' music video below:
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