Bobby Brown 'Deeply Saddened' After Whitney Houston's Death

As details of Whitney Houston's death emerged, both the singer's ex-husband, Bobby Brown, and her family officially addressed the media for the first time.

"I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston," Brown said in a statement to MTV News. "At this time, we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter, Bobbi Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences that have been directed towards my family and I at this most difficult time."

The statement appears to have been made before Brown and Houston's 18-year-old daughter, "Bobbi Kristina, was admitted to Cedars-Sinai hospital. According to TMZ, the teen was spotted being taken out of the Beverly Hilton on a stretcher less than 24 hours after her mother's body was taken from the same hotel.

The Houston family also released a statement to MTV News in what appears to be the hours before Bobbi Kristina's hospitalization. "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly," the statement read. "We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends."

Before his statement, the most the world had heard from Brown was during a New Edition concert in Mississippi Saturday night. After being comforted by the other members of New Edition, Brown took the stage and addressed the crowd. "First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all. Second, I would like to say, 'I love you Whitney.' The hardest thing for me to do is come on this stage." Brown then told the fans that their support for New Edition over the years was the only thing that allowed him to get through the show.

Brown broke down several times through the show and left the stage near the end of the set when he appeared too shaken to perform.

MTV News' Sway and James Montgomery will be live from the Grammys red carpet all evening to get reactions from music's biggest stars on the death of Whitney Houston. Watch reactions and remembrances at MTV.com.

Share your condolences with Whitney's family and friends on our Facebook page.