Governor Chris Christie Issues Statement About New Jersey Native Whitney Houston

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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has issued a statement about the death of Whitney Houston, one of the Garden State’s most successful musical exports.

Christie’s statement, released on Saturday night, read, “Whitney Houston was a true New Jersey treasure. Her terribly premature death is an awful loss for her family and the incredible New Jersey musical family. Her soaring talent put her in the pantheon of great New Jersey musical talents like Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Bruce Springsteen.”

On Sunday, Christie added a more personal message via Twitter: “Terrible day 4 NJ music w/passing of Whitney Houston. Fellow Mendham resident, she will be missed in NJ & the music world. pray 4 her family.”

Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey on August 9, 1963. Christie’s statements are the latest in a series of remembrances from celebrities and public figures regarding the talented singer, who passed away on Saturday. Houston will be honored with a tribute at tonight’s Grammy Awards.