Kevin Costner is the latest big name confirmed as a guest at the invitation-only gathering at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J. Music legends Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder will sing at the service.
Costner co-starred in the 1992 film that marked Houston’s silver-screen debut and raked in more than $400 million at the box office worldwide.
The movie featured her massive hit song “I Will Always Love You”
but also cemented her status as a bona fide film star.
Houston’s record producer and mentor, Clive Davis, will also speak at the funeral, People reported.
The pop diva died in the Beverly Hilton hotel Feb. 11 on the same day she was scheduled to attend Davis’ annual pre-Grammy Awards party.
A source close to the singer’s family said her loved ones are “devastated, but they’re getting through it,” the magazine reported.
Clive has been a complete rock for her family this entire time. He’s been with her since the beginning, and he’s been everything to them,” the source said.
“They’re leaning on him for emotional support. He talks to them hourly, and he’s a very big part in planning her funeral.
“Clive has been a constant presence for them. They’re thanking God for Clive.”
The funeral will take place at noon Saturday inside Houston’s childhood church.
Pastor Joe Carter will conduct the ceremony and the eulogy will be given by the Rev. Marvin Winans, who married Houston to her ex-husband Bobby Brown.
“We’re going to celebrate her life in the standard of which she deserves,” Carter said.
Flags on state government buildings will be flown at half mast Saturday, a decision New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has strongly defended.
He called Houston “a daughter of New Jersey” and hit back at critics who said the honor should be reserved for the military, first-responders and elected officials – and not an alleged drug abuser.
“I am disturbed by people who believe that because 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,” Christie said.
“I just reject that on a human level.”
Following the ceremony, Houston’s body will be laid to rest next to her father’s grave at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, sources said.
Courtesy of The Daily News
