NEWS

Jermaine Jackson devastated' by Houston death

23rd February 2012

Jermaine Jackson mourns the loss of his "good friend" Whitney Houston.

The musician worked with Whitney on the 1986 eponymous album that shot her into superstardom.

Jermaine remains close with Whitney's family and offers her clan abundant support throughout their grieving process.

"I spoke to her mother [Cissy Houston] today, but Whitney was a good friend of mine," Jermaine told Us Weekly at Eva Longoria's pre-Oscar bash in Hollywood on Wednesday. "I worked with her on her first album, and I was devastated by [her death]."

Jermaine is concerned about Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, as she is reportedly suffering from a severe emotional breakdown following her mother's death.

Bobbi Kristina apparently went to "get high" after the four-hour funeral service to honour her mother last Saturday and had her relatives worried sick.

Jermaine suggests that Bobbi Kristina stay close with her kin during this trying period.

"She's got to stay strong and be with her family, and [around that] love," he explained. "She's gotta embrace her family."

Two years ago Jermaine lost his brother Michael Jackson to acute Propofol intoxication. Dr Conrad Murray has since been convicted and sentenced for Michael's manslaughter.

Jermaine feels that turning to narcotics to ease the pain during difficult emotional periods isn't the best choice.

"There are so many bad influences... [you have to] go back to the basics," Jermaine said. "Surround yourself with love from your family. That's the most important thing."

Whitney was found dead in the bathroom of the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles on February 11.

The singer fought a long battle with drugs but her cause of death won't be known until toxicology tests come back.

Tags: Whitney Houston,