Singer Whitney Houston’s funeral has taken place in Newark, New Jersey.

The service was held at Whitney’s childhood church the New Life Baptist Church. Some 1,000 family, friends and fellow celebrities packed the church to pay their respects.

Tributes came from Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Kevin Costner, Clive Davies, R Kelly and Whitney’s cousin Dionne Warwick.

Whitney’s ex husband Bobby Brown had been invited but left the church before the service began. He released a statement afterwards explaining his actions:

“My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston.  We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”