They day draws near, and we will soon have to lay the legendary singer WHITNEY HOUSTON‘s body to rest.

The family’s wishes are being honored, and private invite-only affair at WHITNEY hometown church, New Hope Baptist will take place this Saturday in Newark, NJ.

It has been confirmed that Grammy award winning singer MARVIN WINANS will provide the eulogy, while WHITNEY’s godmother ARETHA FRANKLIN will sing at the memorial service.

At one point there was rumors that WHITNEY’s family did not want her ex-husband BOBBY BROWN to attend, but however it is now confirmed that he will be able to be there and comfort his teenage daughter BOBBI KRISTINA during their time of grief.

According to the Associated Press, the funeral service will be streamed online, and flags will be flown at half-staff at government building in New Jersey, the day of the funeral.

#RIP

It has been three days since WHITNEY HOUSTON’S death and much of the world is still mourning.

In the days since her passing, and new details have been revealed giving insight on what happened on that dreadful evening.

Reports confirm that it was  HOUSTON’s aunt MARY JOHNS who found her underwater  in the bathtub at the  Beverly Hilton Hotel, however drowning was ruled out as the cause of death.

Now Radar Online reports that preliminary blood test results revealed the presence of benzodiazepines in singer Whitney Houston’s system after she died. Meaning she has ingested either Xanax, Ativan, and Valium —  sedatives prescribed for high anxiety and stress disorders.  Some benzodiazepines can be addictive.

Law enforcement insiders  tell Radar, “The final toxicology results will reveal the specific sedative(s) that she ingested, and the level. Those final toxicology results should be in later this week.”

Thanks to TYLER PERRY and his private jet, HOUSTON’s is now in her hometown of Newark, NJ.

Unlike previously reported TMZ reports their will be no public service held in the Prudential Center, and the  family wants the city of Newark to dispel any rumors of a public memorial at the 18,000 seat arena.

The family plans to hold a private viewing and invite-only funeral for family and friends on Saturday, Feb. 18, at New Hope Baptist Church.

RIP

On Thursday evening famed singer, WHITNEY HOUSTON, attended  KELLY PRICE & Friends Unplugged: For The Love Of R&B pre-Grammys party at Tru Hollywood and performed a very short snippet of the song “Yes Jesus Love Me,” for the crowd.

Who knew that this would mark HOUSTON’s very last on stage performance before she passed away two days later at the age of 48.

TMZ reports that  sources say both her cousin DIONNE WARWICK, and her mother CISSY HOUSTON spoke to WHITNEY minutes before her death in regards to last minute details in attending CLIVE DAVIS‘ pre-Grammy celebration later that night – and nothing seemed wrong.

Reports also say that WHITNEY‘s teenage daughter BOBBI KRISTINA and DIONNE WARWICK visited the hotel in attempts to see their loved one, but were sadly turned away.

While her body was found in a bathtub, no illegal drugs or alcohol were found in the room, and coroners are still examining the cause of death.

Watch the video below:

Yesterday evening the world began to feel a devastating amount of grief when it was confirmed that Grammy award winning singer, WHITNEY HOUSTON had passed away at the age of 48.

Found unresponsive in her hotel room by her bodyguard Saturday afternoon; paramedics performed CPR for about 20 minutes, and declared her dead at 3:55 p.m.

Houston was a guest of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, because she was scheduled later  in the day to perform at her mentor CLIVE DAVIS’ annual  pre-Grammy party.  The party to celebrate the Grammys, was later changed to a tribute to celebrate her life once the news was confirmed.

Born in Newark, NJ WHITNEY HOUSTON was the best voice that world had heard in the last four decades. She belted out hit after hit in the 80s and 90s, starred in the films Bodyguard, The Preachers Wife, Waiting To Exhale, and recently took executive producer and actress role in the upcoming remake of Sparkle set to release in August of this year.

Houston who has sold more than 170 million albums world wide is survived by her famed mother CISSY HOUSTON, her 18-year-old daughter BOBBI KRISTINA, her ex-husband BOBBI BROWN, and friends, family, and fans the world over.

The cause of her death is still unknown, but may WHITNEY’s soul rest in peace eternally.

It is with deepest regrets that we report the death of DON CORNELIUS today.

The Soul Train creator was found in his California home around 4 a.m. this morning with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As of now, reports from The Los Angeles Police Department state that no signs of foul play were found at the residence.

DON was born in Chicago and started his early career as a journalist and radio personality. In 1971, he was granted the opportunity to work with a local television station in Chicago and created the Soul Train show which aired live on weekdays.

He served as the writer, producer and host of the show until its 22nd season in 1993. When he stopped hosting the show, he continued to handle behind-the-scenes operations and signed various entertainers to host the series until its final season in 2006.

Soul Train is highly regarded as an instrumental force in showcasing and popularizing African American music and holds numerous accolades for its success.

Don Cornelius will be truly missed. We are keeping his loved ones in our prayers and wish nothing but “Love, Peace and Soulllll.”

Today we feel the sadness of  losing one of music’s most legendary singers – ETTA JAMES.

JAMES, one of music’s most passionate singers passed away at the age of 73, after suffering from dementia and kidney problems, and in Decemeber 2011 battling  terminal leukemia, which led to her death.

The singer leaves behind a husband, two sons,  and a legacy like no other.  One not only rich with music, but also film, and respect from those in the industry both old and young who loved her vigor and sass.

BEYONCE, who portrayed ETTA JAMES in the film Caddalic Records, released a statement on her website upon hearing about the loss the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer:

“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

May ETTA JAMES eternally rest in peace.

In a recent Watch the Throne concert performance in Los Angeles, CA, KANYE WEST revealed to the audience that five years ago he was suicidal, and was losing control of his life after the passing of his mother, Dr. Donda West.

WEST claims that his depression in trying to cope, was the cause for the whole TAYLOR SWIFT incident, and all the criticisms of his actions that followed, prompted the ‘College Dropout’ rapper to step away from the spotlight.

“I will not give up on life again. There’s so many people that will never get the chance to have their voice heard… I do it for them,” says WEST to Hollywood Scoop.

This morning, on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” Basketball Wives L.A. cast member JACKIE CHRISTIE shared some heart breaking news with listeners: her beloved mother lost her battle with cancer early this morning.

Since the start of this season of Basketball Wives L.A. began, JACKIE was open with viewers about her mother’s struggle with cancer. She revealed prior to her mother’s passing, her mother expressed some concerns regarding her participation in the show, and we were able to see last week the close bond JACKIE and her mother had.

R.I.P. and our prayers go out to JACKIE and her family.