Kevin Costner recalls Whitney Houston 'was worthy to talk about'

Kevin Costner recently reminisced about being invited to participate in a public tribute following the death of Whitney Houston, his co-star from the 1992 film "The Bodyguard." Despite their close bond, Costner initially preferred to mourn privately.

However, Dionne Warwick, a close friend of Houston's, approached Costner about addressing the singer's passing. "Whitney was certainly so worthy to talk about, but it's not my first instinct to go out there, to rush to the mic," Costner shared with PEOPLE magazine.

Feeling the weight of Warwick's broken voice, Costner eventually agreed to speak, despite having declined similar requests earlier. He recounted his nervousness upon taking the stage, even considering asking Diane Sawyer and Oprah Winfrey to deliver his speech for him. "I remember looking back and seeing Diane Sawyer and Oprah Winfrey... I think they were sitting together, and I went, 'Can you do my speech?'" he recalled.

Ultimately, Costner took the stage himself, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to honor Houston's memory publicly. Despite his initial reservations, his tribute stands as a heartfelt acknowledgment of their enduring friendship and shared experiences.