TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie plans to sign an executive order requesting flags on public buildings in New Jersey to fly at half-staff on the day of Jersey native Whitney Houston's funeral.
"Whitney Houston was an important part of the cultural fabric of this state," Christie said during a press briefing today. "She was a cultural icon in this state and her accomplishments in her life were a source of great pride for many people in this state and for this state as a whole. On that basis, I think she's entitled to have that recognition made for her."
Christie said he will sign the order later this week, when the pop star's family makes a final decision on when the funeral will be.
Earlier today, a Newark church pastor and a Newark funeral director announced a private funeral service will be held for Houston this Saturday at Newark's New Hope Baptist Church — the place where the pop legend sang as a child.
Attendance at the service will be by invitation only, according to Carolyn Whigham, owner of the Whigham Funeral Home, on Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Some fans who gathered today outside the funeral home expressed disappointment they will not be allowed to attend the service.
"She's a big icon," said Newark resident Cathie Smith, 54. "Why would they not make it public?"
Despite earlier reports to the contrary, there are no plans for a public funeral service or public memorial service at this time.
New Hope Baptist seats about 1,500 people, the church pastor said.
By Jenna Portnoy and Megan DeMarco/ The Star-Ledger
• Some Whitney Houston fans upset over lack of public funeral
• Fans come out to see Whitney Houston's final trip home
• Editorial: Whitney Houston deserves New Jersey tribute
• Whitney Houston to be eulogized in Newark, the city where her voice was first discovered
• Whitney Houston cause of death still a mystery; no signs of foul play or trauma, police say
• Students at East Orange school named for Whitney Houston mourn singer's death
• 2012 Grammy Awards: Clarence Clemons tribute bumped by Whitney Houston tribute