Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only daughter of the late iconic singer Whitney Houston and R&B star Bobby Brown, lived a life marked by both privilege and tragedy. Her health and weight became subjects of public scrutiny, particularly in the years leading up to her untimely death. This article delves into the various factors that contributed to the concerns surrounding Bobbi Kristina's well-being, using information available about her life.
Early Life and Family Background
Born into a world of fame and fortune, Bobbi Kristina was always in the spotlight. Her parents, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, were both prominent figures in the music industry. However, their marriage was often turbulent, marked by struggles with substance abuse and domestic issues.
Whitney Houston's death in 2012 had a profound impact on Bobbi Kristina. The loss of her mother, coupled with the pressures of living in the public eye, took a toll on her.
Public Scrutiny of Weight and Health
In the years following her mother's death, Bobbi Kristina's weight fluctuated, and her appearance became a frequent topic of discussion in the media. In one instance, Bobbi Kristina Brown lashed out at critics of her recent dramatic weight loss after a recent Instagram bikini pic, prompting fans to voice concern over her health. The newlywed, 21, sported a surprisingly skinny frame. She defended herself by evoking her late mother Whitney Houston's naturally thin frame. "I am my mothers child! Have you ever heard of a #fastmetabolism ?" she wrote. "Damn, lol, it's incredible how the world will judge you 4ANY&EVERYthing." Her husband Nick Gordon also jumped in to defend his bride, adding a few choice profanities for bloggers and reporters. "My baby is perfect the way she is," Gordon tweeted on Tuesday, adding, "And for the record she was made that way why change I know she is beautiful."
Bobbi Kristina's life choices, including her relationship with Nick Gordon, also drew criticism. Gordon, who had lived with the Houston family since he was 12, was seen by some as an inappropriate partner for Bobbi Kristina.
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Hospitalization and Deteriorating Condition
On January 31, Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in a bathtub in her Atlanta-area home. The circumstances mirrored the death of her mother, who had also been found in a bathtub in 2012. Bobbi Kristina was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma.
Despite receiving medical care at numerous facilities, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s condition continued to deteriorate. The full extent of her injuries was never made public. She was transferred to a rehab facility in March. A Brown family source told PEOPLE that Bobbi Kristina was “skin and bones now.” “She has been losing weight, she's been losing hair. They were taking good care of her, but she has no muscle tone at all,” said the insider. “There has been some worry that her organs are shutting down.”
Cissy Houston, Bobbi Kristina's grandmother, told PEOPLE that her 22-year-old granddaughter had "global and irreversible brain damage". Dr. Subhashini Ramesh, an assistant professor of neurology at Georgia Regents University explained what that meant, "Global refers to motor function, eye movement, vocal response, all of that. Usually the longer the patient remains in this type of state, it’s less likely they’re going to make any meaningful recovery." It’s possible she suffered cardio-pulmonary arrest with what’s called hypoxic ischemic brain injury. It’s a lack of blood supply and oxygen to the brain. Even just for a few seconds, that lack of supply can be very devastating.
Move to Hospice Care and Untimely Death
In June, it was announced that Bobbi Kristina had been moved to hospice care. Her aunt, Pat Houston, released a statement saying that her condition had continued to deteriorate despite the great medical care she had received. She stated, "As of today, she has been moved into hospice care. We thank everyone for their support and prayers. She is in God's hands now."
Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away on July 26. She was in a coma or otherwise unresponsive for nearly six months and died at a hospice facility. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office released the official autopsy report which stated that Bobby Brown, 47, and Whitney’s daughter also had “depressions” on her skull and bruises all over her arms and thighs. When Bobbi Kristina died she was a mere 95 pounds. The medical examiner also said that “whether her death was due to intentional or accidental causes are unknown.”
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The autopsy results, which remained sealed for a year, revealed that her death was caused by a combination of drowning and drug intoxication.
The Aftermath and Investigation
The circumstances surrounding Bobbi Kristina's death led to further investigation and legal proceedings. Nick Gordon was found liable in her death and ordered to pay her estate $36 million in damages.
Bobby Brown, Bobbi's father, started a domestic abuse prevention charity called Bobbi Kristina Serenity House. He told ABC News earlier that year, referring to his daughter's fate, "It's not a mystery to me. The same thing that happened to my daughter is what happened to Whitney…There's only one person that was around both occasions. Only one person who says they were there to protect them…and he didn't."
Gordon, who was in and out of treatment, later died of a heroin overdose on Jan. 1, 2020, at the age of 30.
Remembering Bobbi Kristina
Bobbi Kristina's life was marked by both joy and sorrow. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, and niece, and she will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and her connection to her iconic mother.
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Despite the challenges she faced, Bobbi Kristina strived to forge her own path and make her mark on the world. Her tragic death served as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support for those struggling with addiction and loss.
Lessons Learned
Bobbi Kristina's story underscores the complexities of fame, family, and personal struggles. It highlights the need for greater understanding and compassion for individuals facing mental health challenges and substance abuse issues.
Her life also serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication, supportive relationships, and access to resources that can help individuals overcome adversity and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.