Brandy's Birthday Clouded by Whitney's Death

Singer Brandy had an especially rough time dealing with the death of her friend and mentor Whitney Houston, who died on Brandy's 33rd birthday.

Brandy was handpicked by Houston, the executive producer of the made-for-TV movie Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, to star alongside the music icon, who played Brandy's fairy godmother in the 1997 movie. The two became very close and their friendship grew over the years.

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Brandy released a statement yesterday, saying:

"My heart is destroyed. I lost my idol and dear friend. My prayers go out to Whitney's family and her millions of fans around the world. Whitney -- the greatest voice of all time -- you are my angel and I will always and forever love you."

E! News captured their final moments together in an impromptu interview last Thursday before the Grammys, where Whitney is seen passing a note to Brandy. What did it say?

"I'm going to just not say what it was and just keep it to myself for my own personal reasons," said Brandy, fighting back tears.

"It's just so unfortunate. Whitney meant everything to me -- everything. She's the reason that I sing. It's crazy, so crazy."