Whitney Houston’s Family Asks Newark To Cancel Memorial Plans

Whitney Houston‘s memorial will reportedly not be taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., because the Houston family has requested to not have one, according to Mayor Cory Booker (pictured).

A Mayor Booker representative reportedly told TMZ:

“The Houston family has no plans to set up a public viewing at the Prudential Center this Friday.”

This news comes as quite a surprise, because the city was reportedly planning a memorial for the mega-star in the 18,000-seat venue. All plans were put on hold, though, once the Houston family asked the city to not hold a public viewing for the icon.

The rep. continues:

“In compliance with the family’s wishes the city is not moving forward with any public ceremony.”

At press time, the only ceremony that will be held is at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark on Saturday.

Houston’s body was flown to New Jersey late Monday night. Shocking the world, the vivacious singer was found dead in her hotel room bathtub Saturday afternoon. While an autopsy was performed, showing no signs of foul play or trauma, toxicology results will take weeks to complete.