Houston died aged 48 in a Beverly Hills hotel on Saturday (local time), triggering shock and a wave of tributes as music stars gathered for the annual awards show.

The pop legend, whose hits include I Will Always Love You, was found dead in her room at the Beverly Hilton, hours before a traditional pre-Grammys dinner hosted by veteran producer Clive Davis, who discovered and developed Houston.

Read the full story on ABC news here.

Stunned?  "What took so long" may be more appropriate.  Six years ago there were stories (with photos) of her just being a crack addict, and her problems with drugs, drinking and domestic abuse seemed constant.  I've not seen a picture of her in years - maybe a decade - where she didn't look bad.

I think she was rated 17 for record sales (170 million) which guaranties she will be played 250 years from know,  pretty much like Mozart; while others would be all but forgotten.

I am going to miss her much!

Peky

It's unfortunate she died, but I'm certainly not stunnned.
Her life went down a rather shady path and her music career took a huge blow for it.
I remember when she tried a revival tour a few years back and her voice was completely shot from all of the drugs she'd been doing.
Such a shame, really.

Yeah, sad is the term that comes to my mind     So often we lose these talented people to substance abuse... The fame and fortune goes to their head, next thing you know they're dead 

She was such a beautiful and talented woman, it's truly a shame she took such a wrong turn

She was such a beautiful and talented woman...

... and rich, and famous, and loved by millions (not really, they just wanted to use her for something or another) - and in the end none of that was enough, all of it together wasn't enough.

I think it is quite understandable that a lot of celebrities in a limelight with such high expectations would turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. It's unfortunate that it took such a toll on her career and her personal life during her years. Nevertheless, it's a shame. She made wonderful music.

Aside from this, her autopsy report was completed today but it's release has been put on hold pending the results of a toxicology report which could take another 6-8 weeks maximum.

She did a tour of Australia a few years back and sadly she was totally wasted and her voice had gone as had her concentration.

It is a reminder though that we all have talents. We have to be careful not to waste them, but to enjoy them. Drugs and booze are not friends to anyone.

Sad.

Cindy

May she RIP.