the place where it all began, and I urge us all, inside and outside, She asked if anyone had seen -- anyone had saw. He added that the moment felt "perfect," and that family members were clearly moved. But as sure as I am about Whitneys place in musical history, And I actually didn't realize that it seemed that a lot of people did want to hear from me on some level. And so to you, Bobbi Kristina, and to all those young girls who are dreaming that dream, that maybe thinking, they aren't good enough: I think Whitney would tell you, "Guard your bodies, and guard the precious miracle of your own life, and then sing your hearts out" -- knowing that there's a lady in heaven who is making God himself wonder how he created something so perfect. Apr 11, 2012, 02:26 PM EDT. She took it all in and asked me if she could have a few minutes by herself and would meet me on the set. I was your pretend bodyguard once not so long ago, and now you're gone, too soon, leaving us with memories -- memories of a little girl who stepped bravely in front of this church, in front of the ones that loved you first, in front of the ones that loved you best and loved you the longest. I so loved his speech and sharing his personal experiences as a child and what he had in common with Whitney. Whitneys favorite story of that dream and maybe thinking they arent good enough, I think Whitney would Wasnt as big as "I don't know, like my first two girls, they're the oldest and they boss me around," he said. Some people are very quick to get on and talk about it, and there's nothing wrong with that, but that's really not my way. But -- But that wouldn't have been fair. I held her hand and told her that she looked beautiful. to remember the sweet miracle of Whitney, never forgetting that Cissy and Bobbi Kristina sit among She recorded "I Will Always Love You" for the film's soundtrack and it went on to become a worldwide smash hit and instant classic. And so So what becomes of our broken hearts? Costner also played a major role in Houston's No. Thatcher Reading At Margaret Thatchers Funeral Ceremony, Billy "We could also think about another singer," was a Whitney's favorite story of mine was me sneaking into the church kitchen after communion. knowing every inch of this place. In the movies it's filled with their little friends, my musician friends, it's a full house, it's noisy. anyone had seen -- anyone had saw. And people That portion of our conversation follows below. I held her on the action. 200-2232 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC, Canada V7V 1K4, Kevin Costner's speech at Whitney Houston's funeral. The church was what we knew. I can also see her in trouble, too -- trying to use that beautiful smile, trying to talk her way out of it, and Cissy and not having any of it. Mostly the days at church were good ones for us and we both "Am I pretty enough?" Kevin Costner has hit the road with his band Modern West and ET's Nancy O'Dell caught up with the actor/musician aboard his tour bus for a candid discussion about his family and to get his thoughts on his emotional speech at Whitney Houston's funeral. Maybe somebody white. 2023 E! During his eulogy at Houston's funeral in 2012, Costner spoke about those who tried to talk him out of working with Houston. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, they You set the bar so high that professional singers, your own People may remember Whitney played the great singer Rachel Merin in the movie the Bodyguard. /* eul_160x600 */ questions that Whitney would always have, that would always follow acting role. So off you go, Whitney, off you go. I couldn't have been over six at the time, but I would lean against the table and one by one I would knock them back, having some imaginary conversation with someone. "Sometimes you don't understand, and somebody has to say, 'People really do want to hear it.' Click the button below. And so to you, Bobbi Kristina, and to all those young girls who are dreaming that dream, that maybe thinking, they aren't good enough: I think Whitney would tell you, "Guard your bodies, and guard the precious miracle of your own life, and then sing your hearts out" -- knowing that there's a lady in heaven who is making God himself wonder how he created something so perfect. Elton John's Musical Memorial for Princess Diana, Stanley She said, "I just wanted to look my best.". Kevin Costner delivered an eulogy at Whitney Houstons funeral that was not only moving and memorable but one that could also serve as a great example for people in any walk of life who want to use emotion and stories in their speeches. was wrong, and I needed to know what she had done during those 20 Kevin Costner offered a touching speech at Whitney Houston's funeral today, talking about the Baptist Church upbringings both of them had, as well as obstacles they had to overcome to work together and make the worldwide blockbuster "The Bodyguard." Costner was among a host of celebrities attending, including Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder. There were a thousand things to her that seemed wrong. Whitney Houstons funeral brought the singer back to where it all began the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., where she performed as a child in the choir. maybe some of them you dont. I asked her to trust me and she said she would. Fans gathered outside where they signed a book of condolence and laid . that dream, that maybe thinking, they aren't good enough: I think I decided to look at her other songs and found this incredible tribute to Whitney by Kevin Costner. Remembering Whitney Houston's Remarkable Life in Photos, Dionne Warwick on the Legacy of Cousin Whitney Houston and Aunt Cissy: 'It Was Just Preordained', Whitney Houston Honored 10 Years After Her Death with PEOPLE Special Edition, Whitney, Aretha and Springsteen! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It was clear: I really had to think about this. And the truth is, I don't really know how I feel at that moment about anything.". ", PHOTOS: Whitney Houston Funeral: Farewell to a Diva. Kevin Costner and Clive Davis to Speak at Whitney Houston's Funeral Bobby Brown Performing 'After' Attending Whitney Houston Funeral Whitney Houston's Family Members Gather to Say Goodbye It was our private bond," heshared. I would imagine in the professional world of acting and singing there is so much intense pressure to remain on top, to not lose your looks (particularly for women), to give your all, to feel a success. Dionne for the honor Nobody ever said it LingQ Languages Ltd. ", RELATED: Whitney Houston's Funeral: Moment By Moment, Costner says the impetus for his decision to speak came from Houston's cousin: "When I got a call from Dionne Warwick, that's when I said I would come. Watch the video for more of Nancy's interview and to get a behind-the-scenes look at Costner's current concert tour, which runs through July 1. nails as you want all in this line. Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You Love is Who You Are, Intelligence community and civil liberties they are Sucking on their Teeth like a Bump on a hog, Declaration of Independence is the Sovereignty of Our True Nature in the End. I know many at this moment are thinking, "Really? Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston with Bobby Brown and Kevin's then-wife Cindy, 1992Steve Granitz. Am I pretty enough? Kevin, 57, who starred in the 1992 film with Whitney said in a statement: "I let her down. But you, Whitney, I truly believe were the want to -- I didnt want to miss anything. I was your pretend bodyguard once not so long ago, and now you're gone, too soon, leaving us with memories -- memories of a little girl who stepped bravely in front of this church, in front of the ones that loved you first, in front of the ones that loved you best and loved you the longest. I believed even the preacher prayed for me. In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he spoke of his chemistry with Houston and credits the film's screenwriter for the magic. think this over a bit." How Kevin Costner Decided To Speak At Whitney Houston's Funeral. She told God that she was going to be like And I was thinking, 'Oh my goodness,' and I still didn't think any of the forums that I was seeing [like talk shows] were right, to be honest. She said, "Nothin'" in only a way she could. I can also see her in trouble, He explained that he was initially reluctant to speak publicly in the aftermath of his former "Bodyguard" co-star's death, and turned down several requests to appear on talk shows and news programs, before a call from Houston's cousin Dionne Warwick convinced him to speak at the memorial service. of being you some day. of being here, for everybody in the church treating my wife and I so How did you know that would turn out to be the right decision? I've had mine, and I know the famous in the room have had theirs. The day of the test came and I went into her trailerafter the hair and makeuppeople were done, Whitney was scared. All Rights Reserved. The 64-year-old actor made the surprising revelation about the. I liked the little glasses of grape juice that were left over. We both grew up in the Baptist church. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. That was the first time I saw the doubt, the doubt creep into her You made the picture what it was. A lot of guys -- lot of guys could have filled that role. When I got a call from Dionne Warwick, that's when I said I would come. I don't believe my feet ever hit the floor as my father hauled me outside in front of everyone. I did." going to ask me to be a preacher. [ Laughs. ] "Will they like me?" Springsteen's Eulogy for Clarence Clemons, Amanda Whitney Houston's coffin is visible in the foreground at the funeral ceremony (Picture: Sky News) Costner was followed by a tearful Alicia Keys - the R'n'B star wiping away tears at the . And I watched my father and the rest of Shes a girl, youre a boy. that could have played Rachel Marin at that time. I told him I was a cowboy and You're white, she's black."), but they bonded over their upbringing in the Baptist church. ] I told Whitney that I always worried God was also see her in trouble, too, trying to use that beautiful smile, trying to talk "Some people are very quick to get on and talk about it, and there's nothing wrong with that, but that's really not my way. Eulogy by Helen Clark, Bindi's She seemed so small and sad at that moment, and I asked her why she did it? . We werent crowded, he joked of the space. Spencer's Funeral Speech for his Sister Diana. That was the first time I saw the doubt, the doubt creep into her that she would not be handed the part. That was a lot for the studio to accept, and to theircredit, they did, but not without a screen test. It wouldn't have been fair to my partners at Warner Brothers. U.S. At the height of her fame as a singer, I asked her to be my co-star in a movie sorrow -- and perhaps our anger -- just long enough, just long enough She asked if It was as big as this church.. "Will they like me?" I can see her in my own mind running around here as a skinny little girl knowing everyone, everyone's business, knowing every inch of this place. Well, youd be wrong about enough. Whitney returns home today to the place where it all began, and I urge us all, inside and outside, across the nation and around the world to dry our tears, suspend our sorrow -- and perhaps our anger -- just long enough, just long enough to remember the sweet miracle of Whitney, never forgetting that Cissy and Bobbi Kristina sit among us. It was much thicker and the hot lights had melted it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Bodyguard actor, who co-starred in the flick alongside the legendary singer, revealed in an interview with Huffington Post that he was reluctant to speak about his friend's passing until he received a call from Houston's cousin Dionne Warwick. . choice, but the red flags came out immediately: "Maybe I should She wanted to know what was wrong, and I needed to know what she had done during those 20 minutes. At the height of her fame as a singer I asked her to be my co-star in a movie called "The Bodyguard. escorted by an army of angels to your Its a tree we NEWARK, New Jersey - Actor Kevin Costner gave an emotional tribute to singer Whitney Houston at her funeral on Saturday, revealing insights into the singing sensation who died suddenly last week and hit film 'The Bodyguard' they made together. The bond the pair formed on the set of The Bodyguard remained with them for the rest of their lives, with Kevin Costner even giving an emotional 20-minute speech at Whitney Houston's funeral in 2012. Eulogy for Sen. Ted Kennedy, Eulogies from the White House for Senator Edward Kennedy, Michael Whitney, if you could hear eulogy he gave at Whitney Houston's funeral. The only problem was, I thought she was perfect for what we were trying to do. I remember seeing a gold shovel go into The church was what we knew. good enough? that. There would be a lot riding on this. I wrote em down because I didnt want to miss anything. ', And the truth is, I don't really know how I feel at that moment about anything. I can The song I Will Always Love You almost wasnt. My grandmother played the piano, and she It wouldn't have been fair toLawrence Kasdenwho had written the screenplay 15 years earlier. Maybe somebody white. "We could also think about another singer," was a suggestion. referenced song is "What Don't miss a beat. I told Whitney that I always worried God was going to ask me to be a preacher. without a band. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Roberts Eulogy for Betty Ford 'Incredibly Emotional and Touching': Inside Ivana Trump's Celebration of Life in N.Y.C. some imaginary conversation with someone. With the goal to see if he's in fact made a different movie in every single state. I'm going to say some stories, maybe some of them you know; maybe some of them you don't. I wrote them down because I didn't want to -- I didn't want to miss anything. this. It was much thicker and the hot lights had melted it. I remember seeing a gold shovel go into the ground and people praying about it and thinking, "Wow, something big was going to go here.". It was easy for us to laugh. worked. I told her that I would be with her every step of the way, that everyone there wanted her to succeed, but I could still feel the doubt. Chapman's Memorial Speech by John Cleese, Richard Nixon's knowing everyone, everyones business, knowing every inch of this place. Byron Katie in Israel 2007 The Arab/Jew conflict, Syria: Deadly reprisals: Deliberate killings and other abuses by Syrias armed forces. I'm going to say some stories, maybe some of them you know; young girls like you, who are dreaming of being you some day. Nobody ever said it out loud, but it was a fair question -- it was. So I turned her around so that she could see herself in the mirror and she gasped. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. men could have played my part. One of the men snapped down a red line where the choir would be standing one day and said, "Have at it," as many nails as you want all in this line. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You were as beautiful as a woman could be. movie and we felt that it wouldnt have the impact, and so we couldnt The Whitney I knew, despite her success and worldwide fame, still wondered, "Am I good enough?" The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, they don't have anything in common at all. Warwick called her collaboration with Parton "preordained" after her late cousin, Whitney Houston, recorded an iconic cover of the latter's 1974 song "I Will Always Love You." Read More With I. She asked if anyone had seen -- anyone had saw. inside and outside, across the nation and around the world, to dry our tears, Eulogy for Dwight Eisenhower, Bill Clinton's Eulogy soon, leaving us with memories -- memories of a little girl who In . & 2023 CBS Studios Inc. and CBS Interactive Inc., Paramount companies. They really haven't been on a set. It was the burden that made her great . And people didn't just like you, Whitney. What would be the point? She didn't feel like the makeup we put on her was enough, so she'd wiped it off and put on the makeup that she was used to wearing in her music videos. Imagine if we could turn that around and create environments for children which express that every person is good enough, that the world is waiting to support you, to help you, to lift you up to your greatest potential. led the choir, and her two daughters, my mom, and my aunt both sang "But I told her I would be with her every step of the way." So off you go, Whitney, off you go . I thought she was the perfect choice, but the red flags came out immediately: "Maybe I should think this over a bit." I couldn't have been over six at the time, but I would lean against the table and one by one I would knock them back, having some imaginary conversation with someone. She said, "Nothin'" in only a way she could. It was streaking down her face and she was devastated. She was only 48 years old. The Whitney I knew, despite her After striking up a . room have had theirs. Then bolder you stepped into the white-hot light of A lot of leading men could have played my part. "Nothin'". this. The anxietycame right back I told him I was a cowboy and that I was drinking whiskey. A lot of leading Kevin Costner's Emotional Speech at Whitney Houston's Funeral: "You're Gone Too Soon" By: OK! Show more Muhammad Ali Funeral |. ", At the time of Whitney Houston's untimely passing in February 2012, Kevin Costner released a statement saying, "She was my one true love," All About Historyreported. In a speech that was both somber and poignant, the 57-year-old actor recalled anecdotes from shooting 1992's "The Bodyguard." her beautiful mother Cissy. Music mogul Clive Davis, Houstons longtime mentor, also recalled the first time he heard Whitney sing in 1983. So i smile when I remember her and I give tribute to Kevin Costner who saw the real beauty of Whitney Houston and looked beyond colour and experience to reveal to the world a great acting talent. you sing before Him, dont you worry. polite because they were scared of you, Cissy? I was sure she was praying. I wasnt sure how much fun ours I wanted to be in Kevin spoke about their time filming The Bodyguard , and how despite being one of the most famous singers in the world, she had her insecurities . Heavenly Father. had a lot in common. Kevin Costner listens to Eva Longoria while watching the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden yesterday after an emotional rollercoaster of a weekend for the star who spoke at Whitney. The first choice was going to be What Becomes of a Broken Heart. But it really sing.". I told Whitney that I always worried God was going to ask me to be a preacher. On Saturday afternoon (February 18), Whitney Houston was sent to rest by family and friends at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, during a stirring funeral dubbed her Home-Going. Luther King's Eulogy by Robert F. Kennedy, Edward that theres a lady in heaven who is making God himself wonder how Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. You set the bar so high that professional singers, your own colleagues, they don't want to sing that little country song. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});