Alive...

[From The Hollywood Reporter & Billboard Bulletin]

Houston Denies Rumors Of Death

A flood of rumors that pop singer Whitney Houston is dead as a result of an overdose are not true, her publicist said Thursday morning. Publicist Minda Gohen, of Houston's personal publicity firm Nancy Seltzer and Associates, gave The Hollywood Reporter the following statement: ``Nancy Seltzer has spoken with Whitney this morning and she's fine. There are no problems. Whitney `wishes that people would just focus their attention on what really matters at this moment.' Her heart, thoughts and prayers are with those victims and those who are suffering.''

Gossip of Houston's death spread via phone and e-mail early Thursday morning, but Gohen said they ``have no idea'' where the rumors started. Houston performed in New York City Sept. 7 as part of Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration, but reportedly didn't show up for a performance the following day. (Chris Gardner, Los Angeles)

NEWSFILE: 14 SEPTEMBER 2001