Bebe Winans, a close friend of the late Whitney Houston, shared some personal memories about her at a recent event. He reminded us that even superstars have ordinary desires and struggles. Winans, now 62, recalls Houston's big heart and how she wanted to do simple things, like walking in malls. Her fame, however, made it difficult.

“She felt trapped by her success, ” he said. Despite her global stardom, Houston had moments where she just wanted to blend in with the regular folks. Nashville, Tennessee, became her hideout. Winans remembers receiving calls, asking softly, "Is she there? Don't tell her we called. " He'd respond, "Yes, she's here. Asleep on my couch. "

Houston's life was cut tragically short at 48. She was found unconscious in a hotel bathtub and died from accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use contributing factors. Winans remembers how she helped him buy a house when banks denied him. She handed him an envelope containing $50, 000, saying, "This looks like my brother's house. " When he paid her back, she was surprised and reminded him that not everyone does.

Losing Houston was painful. Winans talked about the caring, down-to-earth side of her that the world rarely saw. Her fame was a cage, restricting her from living ordinary moments.

Bebe Winans Remembers His Friend: A Famous Singer's Struggle with Fame

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