Already have an account?
Get back to the

Aretha Franklin Cancels Performance at Whitney Houston’s Funeral Due to Illness

1329579794_aretha franklin_1

Aretha Franklin was scheduled to give an emotion-filled performance at Whitney Houston's funeral in Newark, NJ Saturday, but due to illness, that will not be the case.

CNN has confirmed that Franklin, 69, will not perform Houston's "The Greatest Love of All" in The New Hope Church Baptist Church filled with 1,500 close family and friends.

Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys are still slated to sing, while Houston's Bodyguard co-star Kevin Costner, Clive Davis and Tyler Perry will all deliver remarks during the services.

Related: PHOTOS: Whitney Houston's life in pictures

On Feb. 11, the day that Houston was found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room, Us Weekly spoke with Franklin after the news was announced. "I just can't talk about it now," the music icon told Us. "It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby." (Houston, whose cause of death has not yet been determined, leaves behind daughter Bobbi Kristina, 18, with ex-husband Bobby Brown.)

Related: PHOTOS: Stars we lost in 2011

It is not known whether or not Franklin's condition will keep her from attending the services, which will be live streamed by the Associated Press beginning at 12/11c.

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!