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As Bobbi Kristina Brown’s hospitalization nears the three-month mark, neither side of her family is saying much publicly, but hints of tension are evident.
Her father, singer Bobby Brown, reportedly has filed for guardianship over the 22-year-old’s estate. The report by WXIA could not be verified, as Fulton County Probate Court officials said such filings are confidential, but Bobbi Kristina Brown’s grandmother, Cissy Houston, referenced the matter in a statement issued through her attorney:
“This is a family matter involving sensitive information. We hope to resolve this in a manner that is respectful of Bobbi Kristina’s sensitive health information. The Houston family has always looked out for the best interest of Bobbi Kristina Brown. The family has done so all of her life and will continue to do so. We trust that others have the same objective.”
Bobbi Kristina Brown was rushed to North Fulton Hospital on Jan. 31 after being discovered unresponsive in a bathtub. After weeks at Emory University Hospital, she was moved to a long-term care facility, where she remains.
According to the late Whitney Houston’s will, on file and publicly accessible at Fulton County Probate Court, Bobbi Kristina Brown is her sole heir, and her aunt Pat Houston is executor. Bobby Brown is her closest living relative, though. Although Bobbi Kristina had frequently referred to Nick Gordon as her “husband,” both sides of her family disputed that and Gordon himself has referred to her only in terms such as “companion.”
The Houston family has not said much since the ordeal began, but the statements that have been released have underlined Pat Houston’s legal standing. They’ve been signed “Patricia Houston, President, The Whitney Houston Estate.”
Bobby Brown recently announced during a concert that his daughter was “awake,” although a subsequent statement issued through his lawyer said “there has been improvement” in her condition but noted she has a long journey to recovery “and the quality of her life will not be known for years to come.”
Meanwhile, Cissy Houston told a New York radio station that there had been no change in her granddaughter’s condition and there was “not a great deal of hope.”
Bobbi Kristina Brown’s aunt Leolah Brown has been commenting frequently on her niece’s ongoing plight and used her Facebook page to address recent reports of tension among branches of the family.
“My words were not directed at Cissy Houston! Cissy and I both know that I have never disrespected her and I never will,” Leolah Brown wrote. “My words were directed at … Pat Houston. Now print that! Guarantee you they won’t!”
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