If you watched the Grammys last Sunday, you know that the loss of Whitney Houston is on the mind of many celebrities. L.L Cool J. opened with a prayer for Whitney and Jennifer Hudson, who said Houston was an inspiration for her, sang “I Will Always Love You.”
Many in the music community expressed their sadness through interviews, Twitter, and Facebook. Beyonce Knowles, who just gave birth to her first child, called the loss of Houston “painful,” while Knowles former bandmate Kelly Rowland said, “I am beyond heartbroken. Whitney Houston was undoubtedly one of the greatest singers and performers of all time and such a huge influence on me.”
Other big voices were also saddened. Celine Dion said she was “in shock,” Christina Aguilera said Houston’s notes “soared to places most singers dream of reaching,” and Mariah Carey was “heartbroken and in tears.” Even the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, said, “I just can’t talk about it now. It’s so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn’t believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen.”
Singer Bruno Mars, who won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance last Sunday, said, “This is terrible news. I’m sick to my stomach. Nobody sang like Whitney. I hate this feeling.” Barry Manilow called her an “amazingly talented and beautiful artist.”
Major players in the music industry also expressed their sorrow. Russell Simmons said, “This is a tough time for the entire music community, as we all loved Whitney.” Simon Cowell said, “You’re going to remember where you were when you heard the news. It’s that significant.” Quincy Jones spoke of his regret in never having gotten a chance to work with Houston.
Dolly Parton, who wrote “I Will Always Love You,” said, “Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.'”
Houston’s death was even on the mind of President Barack Obama. His press secretary Jay Carney, said, “I know that his thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially her daughter. It’s a tragedy to lose somebody so talented at such a young age.”