More than a decade after Whitney Houston’s tragic passing, her legacy continues to profoundly impact the music world—and those closest to her. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, GRAMMY-winning singer Monica opened up about the deep friendship and mentorship she shared with the late superstar, recalling powerful lessons Whitney imparted that still resonate with her today.
Houston, who died on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48, left behind a legacy marked by unparalleled vocal talent and a heartwarming generosity of spirit. “The past 10 years is like 10 minutes or 10 days to me,” Monica confessed, visibly emotional as she reflected on the loss and the lasting imprint Whitney left on her life.
When asked what first comes to mind when thinking of Houston, Monica’s answer was simple yet telling: “Her smile. It was something that, believe it or not, she never lost. No matter what was happening, her smile was the first thing you saw. Even on a sad day, she would smile at you first… Selflessness, that was her.”
Monica shared a vivid memory from one of their last encounters—rehearsals for the 2012 GRAMMY Awards preshow, just before Whitney’s passing. “She was in and out of rehearsals, touching my face, telling me, ‘You got it. Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t matter who’s watching. You’re the greatest of the great.’” Those words were more than encouragement; they were a lifeline. Whitney urged Monica not to lose sight of herself amid the pressures of fame and relationships. “She would always say, ‘You forget who you are, that’s a mistake I always made. Even in relationships, I forget what I bring. Don’t let them make you forget.’”
Monica admitted that she often falls into the same trap. “I forget that I matter, that I’m important. She used to say, ‘Don’t let them change who you are. Give it to them how you know you can.’” Whitney’s pointed reminders—literally pointing to her chest or Monica’s face—were meant to ground her in self-worth.
The memories overwhelm Monica at times, bringing her to tears. “I give more to people than I give to myself,” she said. But the greatest lesson Whitney taught her was that talent alone isn’t what makes someone special—it’s the heart behind it. “When I think of her, I think, I have to remind myself: they won’t find another you. When they work for other people, they won’t get what they get from me… It wasn’t just her voice—it was how she loved others more than herself.”
This shared selflessness motivates Monica, now 41, to focus her love on her children—the “greatest love of all.” She acknowledges how Whitney’s legacy remains untarnished in a world quick to judge, especially in today’s era of social media scrutiny. Monica pointed out that young fans and critics alike “pull up why I can comfortably say she was the greatest of our time.”
“No voice has come close,” Monica emphasized. “No one sacrificed as much as she did. You can’t disrespect a woman who did that much… She’s still the greatest to ever sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’” Monica also highlighted how even Dolly Parton—the original writer and singer of “I Will Always Love You”—recognizes Whitney’s definitive version as the best rendition of the song.
As Whitney Houston’s influence continues to echo through the music industry and in the hearts of those she touched, Monica’s heartfelt reflections remind us why her spirit remains unbreakable—a beacon of talent, love, and unwavering humanity.
