12). At the request of the late star's mother Cissy Houston, Marvin - the brother of CeCe Winans, who dueted with Whitney on her hit track Count On Me - will pay tribute to the singer at the service, which is to be held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.

Pastor Joe Carter, who is leading the private service, told CNN: "She was able to leave us with so many wonderful memories of that God-given gift. That's what we are celebrating on Saturday.

" However, Whitney's ex-husband of 14 years, Bobby Brown - who reportedly introduced her to illegal drugs and repeatedly came to blows with the late singer - is believed to have been told he is "not welcome" at the funeral because the singer's family are "not fond of him", TMZ reports. While a public service had initially been planned at a local stadium, it has since been cancelled at the request of Whitney's family.

Funeral director Carolyn Whigham explained the invitation-only service at the New Hope Baptist Church - where Whitney showcased her singing talents as a child - reflects the family's desire to keep the memorial more personal. She said: "They have shared her for 30 some years with the city, with the state, with the world.

This is their time now for their farewell. "The family thanks all the fans, the friends and the media, but this time is their private time.

" Whitney was found lifeless in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel last Saturday (11.02.

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