Simon Cowell has proclaimed Whitney Houston to be “one of the greatest superstars of all time.” The music mogul and X Factor judge is one of a number of high-profile stars to pay tribute to the 48-year-old singer, who died in a hotel room on February 11, saying he was “devastated” by her passing.
He said, “You’re going to remember where you were when you heard the news. It’s that significant. I am absolutely devastated by this news. I am so sad for her. She was undoubtedly one of the greatest superstars of all time, one of the greatest voices in our lifetime we’re likely ever to hear.”
Dolly Parton, who allowed Whitney to cover her classic song I Will Always Love You, said she was “grateful” to her and added she would be missed “from the bottom” of her heart.
She said in a statement, “Mine is one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did of my song, and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you.’ You will be missed.”