Countless people, ranging from fans to celebrities, have expressed their grief over the passing of diva Whitney Houston.

Among the scores of individuals influenced by Houston was Beyonce, who issued the following statement via her website:

The loss of Whitney Houston is painful. I remember meeting Whitney for the first time when I was 15. She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman. Not only was she confident, poised, stunningly beautiful and intelligent, but she was sincere and kind. She took the time to make everyone feel like they were very important to her. I, like every singer, always wanted to be just like her. Her voice was perfect. Strong but soothing. Soulful and classic. Her vibrato, her cadence, her control. So many of my life’s memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song. She is our queen and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us.

God bless her.

– Beyoncé

Whitney Houston passed away on Saturday (February 11) at the age of 48. The latest reports indicated that Houston was found in the bathtub of her room in a Beverly Hills hotel, reports are still unconfirmed.