LOS ANGELES (AP) - Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, has died. She was 48.
Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unclear.
At her peak in the 1980s and '90s, Houston the golden girl of the music industry and one of the world's best-selling artists.
Among her hits were "How Will I Know," ''Saving All My Love for You" and "I Will Always Love You." She won multiple Grammys including album and record of the year.
Her success carried her beyond music to movies like "The Bodyguard."
But by the end of her career, drug use took its toll as her record sales plummeted and her voice became raspy and hoarse.
Celebrities are reacting on Twitter to the news of Whitney Houston's death:
Justin Bieber:
just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family
Courteney Cox:
Devastating news about Whitney Houston. What an amazing talent.
Tyrese Gibson:
I'm in Houston on the night we lose WhitneyHouston .. Tonight's show is dedicated to her legacy .. Get to the Verizon Wireless Theater!!!
Rihanna:
No words. Just tears. #DearWhitney
Latoya 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.
Nicki Minaj:
Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time.
Toni Braxton:
My heart is weeping...RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!! Such an incredible influence over music as a whole!
Earvin Magic Johnson:
Cookie & I are shocked & saddened about the news of WhitneyHouston. A great friend & one of the most beautiful voices this world
Wiz Khalifa:
#RIPWhitneyHouston #IWillAlwaysLoveYou will remain a classic.
Tony Bennett:
It's a tragedy. Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed.
Drake:
RIP Whitney Houston.
Heart:
Rest in Peace Whitney We are heartbroken. She had the voice of an angel and a true artist's soul. Our deep love...
Rev. Run:
My heart is saddened.. Everyone please keep Whitney Houstons family in their prayers.. May she rest in peace
Jessica Simpson:
I found my voice singing Whitney Houston's music. Today I lost my idol.
Russell Simmons:
R.I.P. Whitney Houston, really can't believe this
Mariah Carey:
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.
Nick Lachey:
How tragic to hear about Whitney Houston's passing. Such a shame. She had one of the most iconic voices of my lifetime. #rip
Nick Cannon:
Tell our loved ones how much we love them while they're still here. I wish I could've told Whitney how great she was one last time
Wendy Williams:
My family & I are saddened by the loss of a true icon & legend - Whitney Houston. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the entire Houston family.
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
Young Jeezy:
R.I.P Whitney Houston dead at 48. Music is forever though
Billy Ray Cyrus:
R. I. P. Whitney Houston. I will always love you and your music and talents will live on forever.
LeAnn Rimes:
Whitney Houston was the first cd I ever bought. She had a God given gift. Hopefully, she's singing with angels now." Later, she also tweeted: "I can't stop crying. I have a show to do soon. Wow, I learned how to do what I do because of 3 great women, one being Whitney. She was always so kind to me. This is not gonna be an easy show for sure. I'm doing what she taught me to do by listening to her records over & over as a little girl. Her death is very surreal.
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