How Did Whitney Houston Die?
Whitney Houston died of Accidental drowning due to cocaine use and heart disease on February 11, 2012, at age 48.
What was Whitney Houston's cause of death?
Whitney Houston was found unresponsive in the bathtub of her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 11, 2012, the eve of the Grammy Awards. She was pronounced dead at 3:55 PM. The Los Angeles County coroner determined the cause of death was accidental drowning, with cocaine use and atherosclerotic heart disease as contributing factors. She was 48 years old. Her death came just days before the Grammy Awards, which had been a ceremony she dominated for decades.
How old was Whitney Houston when they died?
Whitney Houston was 48 years old at the time of death.
When did Whitney Houston die?
Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012.
Whitney Houston Biography
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey. The daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston and cousin of Dionne Warwick, Whitney grew up surrounded by music. She signed with Arista Records in 1983 and released her debut album in 1985 to massive commercial success. Her voice — widely considered one of the greatest in music history — powered a string of No. 1 hits throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Her recording of I Will Always Love You for The Bodyguard soundtrack became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Personal Life
Who are Whitney Houston's parents?
John Russell Houston Jr., Cissy Houston
Did Whitney Houston have siblings?
Yes — Michael Houston, Gary Garland.
Was Whitney Houston married?
Whitney Houston was married once, to Bobby Brown (1992–2007).
Did Whitney Houston have children?
Whitney Houston had 1 child: Bobbi Kristina Brown.
What religion was Whitney Houston?
Whitney Houston was Christianity (Baptist).
What was Whitney Houston's ethnicity?
Whitney Houston was of African American heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- The Bodyguard (1992)
- Waiting to Exhale (1995)
- The Preacher's Wife (1996)
Albums
- Whitney Houston (1985)
- Whitney (1987)
- I'm Your Baby Tonight (1990)
- The Bodyguard Soundtrack (1992)
- My Love Is Your Love (1998)
Awards
- 6 Grammy Awards
- 30 Billboard Music Awards
- 22 American Music Awards
- 2 Emmy Awards
Facts About Whitney Houston
- Her version of I Will Always Love You spent 14 weeks at No. 1
- The Bodyguard soundtrack is one of the best-selling albums of all time
- She held the record for most consecutive No. 1 singles by a female artist
- Her daughter Bobbi Kristina died in 2015 under similar circumstances
Whitney Houston Quotes
"I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow; if I fail, or if I succeed at least I did as I believe."
"I like being a woman, even in a man's world. After all, men can't wear dresses, but we can wear the pants."
Legacy
Whitney Houston is widely considered one of the greatest singers of all time. Her vocal range, power, and clarity set a standard that few have matched. The Bodyguard soundtrack remains one of the best-selling albums in history. Her influence on female vocalists from Mariah Carey to Beyoncé is immeasurable. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Her daughter Bobbi Kristina tragically died in 2015 under similar circumstances at age 22.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-05-19