Tomorrow will be a week since the passing of legendary singer Whitney Houston and her rumored boyfriend, Ray-J, opened up for the very first time since her death. As we reported, Ray-J was at his home when he got the news of Whitney’s death and rushed to her hotel room. Upon Ray-J’s arrival, he was denied access to the singer’s room just like her daughter was. Ray-J and Whitney have been very close friends and rumored to be dating for a few years. Read what he said about her death after the jump.

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“Over the past few days, I’ve tried to process the emptiness that I am experiencing. What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words. The world lost an icon, but I lost my close friend.” Ray J continues, “Nippy, I miss you so much!” Nippy was a nickname Whitney’s dad gave her. And Ray J adds, “You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever.”

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