Thoughts on Whitney Houston's death

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Entertainer and world-renowned singer, Whitney Houston, arguably the most beautiful voice of our generation, passed away Saturday afternoon in her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton.

There are many mixed emotions and speculation on how Houston died, but the overall resonating theme -- sad. The world lost a legend and a family has lost their loved one.

From her mother, Cissy Houston , to her daughter, 18-year-old Bobbi Christina "Krissy" Brown, and cousin, Dionne Warwick, the loss is devastating. Houston was rocked in her life with drug abuse and a very public relationship with Bobby Brown that was abusive and ended in a 2007 divorce.

Krissy’s godmother, CeCe Winans, a close friend of Whitney Houston, was interviewed during a gospel event in Washington DC. In the 2010 interview with CYInterview.com Winans talked about their relationship. “She’s awesome. She’s still my friend and my sister who I love very much.”

After an interview with Oprah, where Houston talked about her drug addiction and admitted to smoking marijuana, Winans was asked about her relationship with the singer. Both performed the song “ Count on Me ,” featured in the end of the movie “Waiting to Exhale.”

During the interview Winans offered her prayers but reflected more on Houston as a person than a singer. “Well, you know, I love her and I’m praying for her. You know, I think she understands how much so many people – how much they love her as far as the country, all of her fans and so we’re just praying for her that God will continue to touch her and continue to make her whole because she’s a very special, special person. You know, you hear the voice and the voice yes it’s like none other, it’s incredible, but the person is more incredible than the voice.”

In a statement obtained by KXAN News Sunday, Winans reflected on Houston's voice and their friendship:

"I have no words to express how I feel. Whitney was not just a friend but a sister and I am going to miss her voice, her humor but mostly her friendship. She was undoubtedly one of the greatest singers of all time but she was also a great person. Please keep her family in prayer and the best way to honor her is to be reminded that tomorrow is not promised to any of us so love God and love each other."

Whitney Houston was 48. A cause of death remains under investigation.

KXAN viewers responded with their thoughts on Whitney Houston’s passing.

Claud Byron Yeiser The worse day for music was when she let the drugs into her life. She lost her gift of voice and that was the beginning of the end. RIP Whitney Houston

Eric Stevens RIP Whitney

Leanne Sorrentino Crazy news!

Sylvia Cheva Rodriguez sad,sad,sad

Cg Alaniz Her hell was in her addiction... Sympathy to her family and especially her daughter.

Kevin Goble She wasn't just anyone. She was every woman.

Susan Lev Hendrickson Great loss.

Stefanie Jordan So sad, she had such a beautiful voice. May she R.I.P.

Marcia Patterson That is so sad. I just wonder what happened to her. I knew she had a drug issue and I thougt she had it handled. I am sure an announcement will be told later on to say what happened. She had jsut performed on Thursday evening. Sad Sad!

Kevin Goble She was every woman.

Dennise Schwarz Lee It's very sad.

Shelby Porscha Kemp-Brannon so sad, sending prayers to her family

Jason Bailey OMG NO!!!!! not her! she was always my fav! Love ya Whitney!

Becky Garcia Fernandez So sad!

Braulia Atkinson Schipper Lesson to kids, you can have it all and drugs will take it all away.

Jason Bailey The drugs never made her decisions, she did.

Shiron Hill Rest n peace!!

Margaret Preiss Mott Braulia, well said. Too many wonderful lives and talents are ruined by drugs. I know people choose to do this but then they are hooked. Some will turn their lives around, but sadly too many don't. R.I.P. Whitney.

1989 Soul Train Music Awards

BeBe and CeCe Winans perform with Whitney Houston