Chilling picture of Whitney Houston dead in her coffin published in National Enquirer
Last updated at 6:06 PM on 22nd February 2012
Icon: Whitney Houston, pictured in February last year in Beverly Hills
A photograph apparently showing Whitney Houston in an open coffin has been published on the cover of the National Enquirer.
The chilling picture shows the singer lying dead in her golden casket, clad in a regal purple dress and wearing what looks like a diamond brooch and earring.
The weekly American magazine has run the snap alongside a bold headline proclaiming: 'Whitney: The last photo!'
It is understood the photograph was taken inside the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, New Jersey, where her family attended a private wake last Friday on the eve of her funeral.
The magazine claims the photo was taken at the private viewing - although does not reveal who took the picture.
Whitney - who died aged 48 on February 11 - was wearing jewels worth $500,000 and had gold slippers on her feet, according to the publication.
No doubt the image - which was published in today's edition - is bound to stir a strong reaction.
The singer's funeral took place on Saturday and was attended by stars including Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey and her co-star from The Bodyguard, Kevin Costner.
She was laid to rest the following day in a burial service attended by close family and friends.
Controversial: The National Enquirer has published a photograph of the singer lying dead in her open coffin on the cover. Pictured here, pallbearers carry the casket out of the New Hope Baptist Church on Saturday after her funeral
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2104870/Whitney-Houston-dead-coffin-National-Enquirer-publishes-chilling-photo.html#ixzz1n8awRDoo
