At Whitney Houston's funeral in February 2012, Kevin Costner delivered a deeply personal and heartfelt eulogy, primarily reflecting on their profound connection forged during the filming of their iconic movie, The Bodyguard. His speech was a tribute to her immense talent, her vulnerabilities, and his unwavering belief in her.
The Core of Costner's Eulogy
Costner's speech, which was notably lengthy and impassioned, touched upon several key themes, offering a unique insight into his relationship with Houston. He spoke not just as a co-star, but as a friend and protector who had seen her at her most vulnerable and celebrated her at her most brilliant.
- A Promise Kept: A significant portion of his eulogy centered on the promises he made to Houston during The Bodyguard's production. He recounted how he had promised Whitney that she would be excellent in the film and that he would ensure her success on screen. He emphasized this commitment, stating, "I had promised Whitney that she'd be good in it. And that was my promise to her. She's always going to love me in the song, and I was always going to keep my promise to her." This highlighted his role in reassuring her about her acting debut and the lasting impact of their collaboration, particularly regarding the film's iconic music.
- Defending Her Talent: Costner revealed that he had to fight for Houston to be cast in The Bodyguard, encountering initial resistance from studio executives who questioned her readiness or acting ability. He steadfastly defended her, believing in her unique star power and natural talent.
- Addressing Her Insecurities: He candidly spoke about Houston's initial insecurities as an actress, despite her global superstardom as a singer. He shared anecdotes of her nervousness on set and his efforts to put her at ease, encouraging her to embrace her authenticity.
- The Power of "I Will Always Love You": Costner played a pivotal role in Houston recording her iconic rendition of "I Will Always Love You" for the film. He recounted how he suggested the song to her, understanding its profound emotional depth and perfect fit for the movie's narrative, leading to one of the best-selling singles of all time.
- A Tribute to Her Authenticity: Throughout his speech, Costner portrayed Houston as a genuine and sweet person, often describing her as a "sweet, sweet girl" who remained grounded despite her fame. He urged those present to remember the real Whitney, beyond the headlines and public perception.
Costner's eulogy was a powerful testament to their bond, illustrating his deep respect and admiration for her not just as an artist, but as a person. His decision not to shorten his eulogy for commercial breaks further underscored the profound importance of his message and his desire to honor Houston comprehensively.
For more details on Kevin Costner's eulogy, you can find various reports and transcripts from the time of the funeral, such as this coverage from CNN.
Key Takeaways from the Eulogy
| Aspect | Costner's Message |
|---|---|
| His Promise | "I had promised Whitney that she'd be good in it. And that was my promise to her. She's always going to love me in the song, and I was always going to keep my promise to her." |
| Casting Her | Fought for her inclusion in The Bodyguard against initial studio skepticism, convinced of her natural talent. |
| Her Vulnerability | Acknowledged her shyness and insecurities as an actress, offering mentorship and encouragement to help her overcome them. |
| "I Will Always Love You" | Credited with suggesting the song for the film, leading to her legendary performance. |
| Remembering the Real Whitney | Urged attendees to recall her authenticity, kindness, and inherent goodness beyond her public persona and struggles, emphasizing her "sweetness." |
| Length of Eulogy | Delivered a lengthy, heartfelt speech, reportedly refusing to shorten it, highlighting his deep commitment to honoring her legacy fully. |
Kevin Costner's eulogy at Whitney Houston's funeral remains one of the most memorable and heartfelt tributes in celebrity history, offering a rare glimpse into the private dynamics of their iconic on-screen partnership.
