Whitney Houston talks about the 'devastating' death of Michael Jackson in Oprah interview (video)

AP Photo/Harpo Productions, George Burns

Whitney Houston opened up to Oprah Winfrey in her first interview in seven years, about the death of Michael Jackson whom she knew personally.

According to VH1: "Devastating," Houston told Winfrey. "I have so many good memories of spending time with him. I've known his family for so many years that I thought, 'It can't be true. I knew he was on painkillers at one time ... I didn't know how far and how deep it was.' Oprah asked when Houston last saw Jackson to which the singer replied, 'I think it was that time [that I saw him last], but I spoke to him during the trial a lot. He would speak to me on the phone, but he didn't want me to see him. [It] saddens me.'

Houston then details what it was like to perform for Michael Jackson at his 30th-anniversary special in 2001, saying, 'I just remember doing the anniversary special and I remember looking at Michael and I remember looking at myself and I was getting scared looking at him. I was looking at myself. I don't want it to be like this. Mike and I were very close.'

Watch the video:

Did you catch the two-day interview with Whitney Houston?

Be sure to tune into Oprah tomorrow (Wednesday, September 16th) as she is dedicating her show to Michael Jackson, and will show footage from her interview with MJ from his Neverland Ranch.

Attention Michael Jackson supporters: There is a wonderful new project in the form of a portrait that millions of fans worldwide can take part in. A Portrait of Michael Jackson created from millions of hand-drawn dots will invite millions of fans worldwide to become part of Jackson's legacy by getting a free dot in the portrait in their name. A dot is not drawn on the canvas until someone signs up for it; at least one million fans (dots) are needed to complete the image of the King of Pop, with room in the portrait for many more millions to participate. The organizers of this tribute have the support of Ken Kragen, who was responsible for "We Are the World," The Robson Family (Joy, Wade and Chantal), and Don Wilson, the creator / director / producer of the "Man in the Mirror" video. Proceeds will be donated to several charities that were dear to Michael, including The Make A Wish Foundation. Every single hand-drawn dot David places on his canvas represents a real person. People have joined David's projects from over 150 countries. Every Michael Jackson fan will be able to get a free hand-drawn dot added to the portrait in their name. Thus far people representing over 100 countries have signed up to take part in this project. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is a partner of The Michael Jackson Fan Club (http://www.MJfanclub.net), the largest Michael Jackson fan club in the world, which was supported by Jackson himself.

You can now sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com for your dot. The portrait starts on August 28th.  A dedicated website will be created so people can sign up for their free dot. People will be able to attach a message to their dot if they choose. Every time someone signs up, a dot will be hand drawn in the work of art in their name. People will be able to go online to see the portrait as it evolves toward completion and read some of the messages.

Please sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com and be a part of this tribute to the King of Pop.

Read the interview with artist David Ilan here.

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