As the devastating news of Whitney Houston's passing reaches all around the world, some of our biggest stars - many of whom were friends with Whitney - have been expressing shock and grief at the loss of the legendary singer and actress.
Mariah Carey called her “one of the greatest voices to ever grace this earth” after changing her Twitter profile picture to one of the pair of them in happy times, while Rihanna – who has been rehearsing for tonight’s Grammy Awards, which 48-year-old Whitney was due to attend - said she “can’t think of anything else right now”. It's clear the world is still in shock, but here are some of the sad, yet lovely, tributes below.
Aretha Franklin (Whitney’s Godmother): "It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen."
Mariah Carey: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”
Dolly Parton: "I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song, and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed'."
Rihanna: “No words! Just tears #DearWhitney. I honestly can't think of anything else!!! Feels so strange being at the Grammy rehearsal right now!!”
Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child): "I truly, truly adored Whitney Houston. Her album 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' was the very first album I ever bought."
Tony Bennett: “Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed."
Pink: "Whitney was the reason many of us do what we do."
Katy Perry: “NOOOOOOOO”
Lenny Kravitz: “Whitney. Rest in peace. There will never be another like you. Lenny”
La Toya Jackson: “I'm distraught over the news that Whitney Houston has died! She was the most INCREDIBLE talent. What another sad day for the world.”
Cee Lo Green: “R.I.P. Sister WHITNEY HOUSTON!!!!! We will always love you.”
Katy Griffin: “She was A TALENT & A LEGEND. She was never a "reality star" No jokes from me about Miss Houston today.”
Wyclef Jean: “This is the saddest thing I've ever had to write in my life, R I P to one of the greatest humans that I have ever known Whitney Houston”
Simon Cowell: “It’s just really, really horrible.” She had one of the greatest voices I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Ryan Seacrest: “At Grammys rehearsal hearing Whitney Houston has passed away at 48. Everyone here is absolutely stunned.”
Heatworlders, please join in and leave your tributes to Whitney Houston below.