Whitney Houston 'really wanted to marry' Michael Jackson - according to their friend David Gest.
The music producer was a close confidant of both the late stars, and he believes Whitney - who was laid to rest in New Jersey on Sunday (19.02.12) - would have liked to have got together with the 'Thriller' singer, but he was 'too shy' to make a move on her.
He said: 'She really loved Michael and he adored her. Michael told me they once shared a passionate kiss, and she told me she was at one time very much in love with him.
'I think she really wanted to marry him, but although he had a crush on her, he was too shy.
'Later, he confessed to me he should have made every move. If they had got together, I believe Whitney would not have done drugs or become a semi-recluse.'
The 58-year-old star - who was previously married to Liza Minnelli - saw Whitney perform in Copenhagen, Denmark, last year and he was reduced to tears by the fact she could no longer hold the notes she used to.
David - who interviewed the music legend for his acclaimed documentary 'Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon' - added in an interview with The Sun newspaper: 'When we met last year, it was at her concert in Copenhagen and it was the saddest performance I had ever seen her give.
'Tears came to my eyes as she just couldn't hold her notes. I actually walked out after four songs, had a sob then came back to watch the rest of the show. My heart was bleeding for her.'
