Actress and singer, Whitney Houston, known for her incredible voice as much as her tumultuous personal life, has died aged 48. 

Publicist Kristen Foster broke the news yesterday, February 11, although a cause of death is yet to be determined. CNN reported that Houston's bodyguard, Ray, found her dead in the Beverly Hilton Hotel just hours before she was due to attend a party for music executive Clive Davis. 

Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55pm L.A. time after attempts to resuscitate her in her fourth floor hotel room failed.

Recording Academy president, Neil Portnoy, released a statement about the singer's untimely death on the eve of the 2012 GRAMMYs that read:

"One of the world's greatest pop singers of all time… Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice."

Tributes for the late star have been pouring in and 'R.I.P. Whitney Houston' is the No.1 trending topic worldwide, with celebrities and musicians alike paying their respects via social networking site Twitter. 

Mariah Carey posted: "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."

From Pressparty and your fans worldwide, R.I.P. Whitney Houston. Gone but never forgotton.

Watch the video for her iconic single 'I Will Always Love You' below: