Despite her trying times, Whitney Houston always had the support of her number one fan and godmother, Aretha Franklin.
Speaking to People magazine, the queen of soul said that no matter what, she always had the utmost support for Houston, who died on Saturday February 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
"We were all aware of her challenges," Franklin said. "And I was always rooting for her."
The 69-year-old said she was looking forward to Houston's triumphant return to the silver screen in the movie Sparkle which Houston had just finished production on alongside Jordan Sparks.
"Seeing previews for the new Sparkle movie I thought, boy she looks good, healthy, fresh and has that twinkle in her eyes!"
Franklin says that although it may have been a struggle for her goddaughter to keep her life on track.
"In looking back now, I recall her European tour. Still exciting, but unable to sing what she wanted to had to be disheartening."
At first hearing of Houston's death, Franklin posting a picture of her and Houston together on her Facebook page saying: "I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby."
Franklin is expected to participate in Houston's funeral which is planned for this Saturday at noon in Newark's New Hope Baptist Church, New Jersey where Houston first developed her singing as a child.
Other Hollywood heavyweights who will attend the service include Stevie Wonder, Clive Davis, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Cosby.
There has been uncertainty around whether Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown would be in attendance, but a source from People said he planned to attend.
Related video:Whitney Houston's Family Cancels Public Memorial Service.
