“Over the past few days I’ve tried to process the emptiness that I am experiencing. What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words,” said Ray J in a statement released to ESSENCE.com.
“The world lost an icon but I lost my close friend. Nippy, I miss you so much! You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever.”
In the hours following her death, Ray J was spotted on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton trying to see Houston’s body.
It’s unclear if Ray J will attend Houston’s funeral tomorrow. Thus far, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Clive Davis, Donnie McClurkin and more are set to honor Houston at her homegoing service.