Kevin Costner’s Shocking Promise to Whitney Houston and Why He Refused to Shorten Her Eulogy!

During the 2012 memorial service for Whitney Houston, broadcasted live by CNN, actor Kevin Costner delivered a heartfelt 17-minute eulogy. According to the “Yellowstone” star, had CNN had their way, his speech would have been significantly shorter.

Costner, who shared the screen with Houston in the 1992 romantic thriller “The Bodyguard,” was among the eight individuals invited to speak at the renowned singer’s memorial service. Initially, he was uncertain about accepting the invitation, however, he was persuaded by Houston’s aunt, singer Dionne Warwick.

With the assistance of a friend, he shared with “Armchair Expert” podcast hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, he attempted to gather all his thoughts and emotions into a coherent speech. However, it was nearly interrupted by the network.

Costner recalls, “Someone mentioned, ‘CNN’s here, they would appreciate it if your remarks were abbreviated as they will need to air commercials.’ I responded, ‘They’ll have to adjust. They can air their commercial while I’m speaking, it doesn’t bother me.’”

As of Wednesday, CNN had not responded immediately to The Times’ request for a comment.

Costner’s insistence stemmed from his protective feelings for Houston, which he claims to have developed during the filming of “The Bodyguard.”

“I understood that the global perception of us was elevated, so I embraced it. In her imagination, I was her bodyguard,” he explained. “I started guiding her, not trying to undermine my director. But I made her a promise.”

Costner promised Houston — and her mentor Clive Davis — that the movie would be successful, and that she would be the star. His prediction proved accurate.

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Although The Times described Costner’s character as a “joyless mope,” “The Bodyguard” has earned nearly $122 million domestically, according to Box Office Mojo. Additionally, Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” won several awards, including a record of the year Grammy. The film’s 13-track soundtrack still holds the record as the best-selling movie soundtrack of all time.

“That was the promise I made to her,” said Costner. “She will always love me in the song. I always kept my promise to her.”

Costner and Houston remained close until her untimely death at 48 due to accidental drowning at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“I delivered her eulogy and I didn’t want to,” the actor-director shared on Monday. “When she passed away, there was a persistent echo to hear.”

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