Jason Merritt, Getty Images
Whitney's famous godmother Aretha will send her goddaughter off with a tribute performance at the funeral, which will stream live over the internet. Allegedly, music executive and Whitney's career-long mentor Clive Davis personally asked the soul legend to sing at the event, which is set to take place at Newark's New Hope Baptist Church -- the place where Whitney first found her voice. An ET Online source says that when Franklin was asked to participate, she responded with some variation of, "How could I say no?"
The Rev. Jesse Jackson is also due to appear, NJ.com reports, though he's not scheduled to speak. "I come to show support for the family," Jackson said.
But one member of Whitney's close inner circle that may not be welcome at the ceremony is Bobby Brown. Sources close to Bobby tell TMZ Houston's friends have reached out the R&B bad boy to warn him that he shouldn't attempt to attend the funeral because the "family isn't fond of him."
An insider reported that Brown wants to attend the funeral to support daughter Bobbi Kristina, but has yet to make an official decision. Many accused the singer of being a negative influence on Whitney during their tumultuous relationship and blame him for encouraging her downward spiral into drug and alcohol addiction.
In response to those reports, Brown's rep released a statement today saying, "Any report or statement that does not originate from my office about Bobby Brown or his representatives, is not authorized by Bobby Brown. We are not focused on reports, stories or false reports for that matter."
Whitney's body arrived in New Jersey on Monday night, some 48 hours after she died in Beverly Hills, Calif. Initial reports suggested the R&B great would be laid to rest at the 18,000-seat Prudential Center, but her family later announced plans for an invitation-only private affair. Whitney will reportedly be buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, N.J. next to her father John Russell Houston Jr., who died in 2003.
Remembering Whitney Through Photos
- Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner
- Whitney Houston in Concert
- Whitney Houston and her mother, Cissy Houston
- Whitney Houston Salutes Clive Davis
- Whitney Houston: Glam at the Grammys
- Whitney Houston Live in New York
- Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown in Happier Times
- Whitney Houston's Family Day Out
- Whitney Houston Shines at the Grammys
- Whitney Houston Knocks Out the National Anthem
- Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown: The Early Years
- Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston: Fallen Friends
- Whitney Houston's First Grammy Win
- Etta James: 1938 - 2012
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Etta James
- Era Mavis Photos
- Era Mavis
- Era Mavis
- Era Mavis
- Mavis Staples
- Era Mavis
- Era Mavis
- Frank Sinatra Photos
- Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra
- Rolling Stones Archival Photos
- Keith Richards
- Ronnie Wood
- Bill Wyman
- Mick Jagger
- The Rolling Stones
- The Rolling Stones
- Charlie Watts
- PhotoSynthesis With Baron Wolman
- Musical Memories
- Musical Memories
- Musical Memories
- Musical Memories
- Musical Memories
- George Harrison
- George Harrison
- George Harrison
- George Harrison with the Beatles
- George Harrison With the Beatles
- George Harrison
- George Harrison
- George Harrison
- George Harrison
- George Harrison
Watch 'Bobby Brown on Houston's Death'
Kellie Pickler Advances to 'Dancing With the Stars' Finals
Jennifer Hudson Performs 'Inseparable' With 'American Idol' Winner Candice Glover
Taylor Swift Admired George Jones' Passion for Performing
Tim McGraw Stops Atlanta Show to Help Ailing Fan
Carrie Underwood Says She's 'Queen of Awkward' in Marie Claire Interview
12 Common Workout Myths Debunked
Tim McGraw's 'Superstar Summer Night' Special to Air May 19
Powerball Jackpot Winning Ticket Purchased In Florida
Mario Announces Nicki Minaj Collaboration, 'Somebody Else'
How Kidnapping Suspect Passes Time Behind Bars
Rock the Bells 2013 Lineup Includes Ol' Dirty Bastard & Eazy-E Holograms
Courtney Stodden Has A Sex Tape
Beyonce Close to Tears While Thanking Fans at Belgium Show
Police Investigate Student Shooting Death
Lil Wayne's Emmett Till Lyric Was Never Meant for Public Consumption
Radio Host Makes Shocking Claim About Shooting Hillary Clinton
River Lost 150 Pounds: 'There Is Hope. Grab Onto It'
LOOK: Dolphins Make Rare Underwater Find
PHOTOS:Eva Longoria's Almost Wardrobe Malfunction At Cannes
These American Companies Refused To Sign The Bangladesh Safety Accord
Marine Reunited With Four-Legged Friend
PHOTO: Looking Good! Chaz Bono Loses 65 Pounds
Teen Who Died During Her First Solo Drive May Have Been Texting
PREGNANT!
Kim Kardashian WOWS In Formfitting White Dress
Former OJ Attorney Gives Shocking Testimony
McDonald's Store Owners Fear Fast Food Chain Becoming Too Slow
Guess Which State Boasts The Most Million-Dollar Homes?
Student Shot Dead During Botched Home Invasion
And Your New 'American Idol' Is ...
New Leads In Case Of Missing British Girl
3 Comments