American politicians mourn Whitney Houston's death

Arab Herald (ANI) Monday 13th February, 2012

Whitney Houston's death has drawn responses from her fans not just in the music world but from that of politics as well.

A number of politicians have expressed sadness on the passing away of the 48-year-old star who was found dead in her Beverly Hilton hotel room on Saturday.

Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, NJ, where Houston was born, said in a statement, "a legend has died".

"As the world mourns the loss of one of the all-time greats, we in Newark feel an especially deep sadness," Politico quoted Brooker as saying.

"She went from a Newark church to the global stage, but she always remained a deep part of our pride and collective heart," he added.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, where stars from the music industry are gathered for the Grammy awards, said his city was mourning "one of the greatest voices of all time."

"On the eve of the Grammy Awards, and as we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to pause and honour Whitney, Etta James and Don Cornelius, who have all passed in recent weeks.

"We recognize their departures have left a wake of sadness and loss, but know that their legends and accomplishments will live on," he said.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter offered similar sentiments on Twitter.

"Very saddened at the passing of Whitney Houston, a great singer, very talented woman. May she rest in peace, pray for her family. God Bless," he tweeted.

Reverend Jesse Jackson too issued a statement condoling Houston's demise.

"Like the rest of the world I am terribly shocked and saddened by the passing of Ms Whitney Houston. I watched her grow up singing in the church choir under the leadership of Rev Thomas.

"Whitney was one of the outstanding voices of our time. There is a hole in the sky and void in the music world," he said. (ANI)