Whitney Houston, shortly before her death
WATCH LIVE STREAM OF WHITNEY HOUSTON's FUNERAL
Details are beginning to emerge about Whitney Houston's funeral Saturday -- and it looks to be be a touching affair that will celebrate the life of the legendary pop singer.
A rep for Kevin Costner confirmed to Us Magazine on Thursday that the actor, who co-starred with Houston in the 1992 blockbuster "The Bodyguard," will attend and deliver a speech. The movie starred Houston as a megastar who falls for her Secret Service agent, played by Costner — and remains one of her most beloved films. It also yielded one of her top-selling singles ever, "I will Always Love You." The movie grossed $400 million worldwide.
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Other stars paying their respects: Houston's godmother, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder, who are scheduled to perform. Alicia Keys, Tyler Perry, Dionne Warwick, Kim Burrell, Rickey Minor, Donnie McClurkin, and CeCe Winans will also attend, according to Us Magazine.
ABC News reports that the following will additionally be in attendance: Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Darlene Love, BeBe Winans, Diane Warren, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Brandy and Ray J.
Houston's record producer Clive Davis — who stood by the singer throughout her career ups and downs — is expected to say a few words.
"Clive has been speaking to the family on an hourly basis," said Kristen Foster, a representative for the Houston family. "He has been a rock and has done everything from offering emotional support to help plan the funeral. They thank God for him."
Houston's estranged ex-husband Bobby Brown is expected to attend, according to ABC News.
The private, invitation-only service takes place at the New Hope Baptist Church in New Jersey, where Houston first showed off her singing talents as kids. The church seats about 1,500.
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Grammy award-winning gospel singer Marvin Winans (the pastor who married Houston and Bobby Brown in 1992) will deliver the eulogy.
The Rev. Joe A. Carter, pastor at New Hope Baptist Church, said he will officiate the service, which is scheduled to begin at noon. It will likely run 90 minutes.
Fans will be able to view a live stream of the service on the Web.
After the service, Houston will be buried at the Fair View Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, where her father was buried in 2003.
Houston, 48, was found dead Feb. 11 in her Beverly Hilton hotel room. A cause of death has yet to be determined.
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