Hell to the Naw, Bobby! I Don't Want to Stay Married!

Right around 3:45 this afternoon, somebody in the newsroom read aloud an urgent that had just crossed the Associated Press wire. "Whitney Houston has filed for divorce," said my co-worker. I immediately jumped to look over her shoulder at the story. It was, indeed, right there in black and white on her computer screen. My response, "it's about time!"

Obviously, this photo shows the couple in happier times, but this relationship has been more a wedded miss than wedded bliss. I don't care how many times Whitney tried to get people to believe that everything was just fine.

Their 14-year marriage has been marred by Brown's numerous arrests, court appearances and jailings, drug addiction and allegations of domestic abuse. Houston's image has taken a nose dive in recent years and she has battled her own addictions, going through drug rehab more than once. Apparently, crack wasn't that whack! Her voice is nothing compared to what it was when she was pumping out Grammy Award winning material and wowing fans on concert tours. This marriage ultimately destroyed a great career.

Legendary recording executive Clive Davis discovered a young Whitney Houston years ago and turned her into a glamourous and sophisticated appearing future diva. She couldn't just sing, she could "sang," as they say in the church. She was destined to become the next Diana Ross or Aretha Franklin or Gladys Knight in terms of lasting star power and appeal. Then she hooked up with Bobby. From that moment on, the facade that Clive created started chipping away. We got to know the "real" Whitney. The ghetto fabulous gal from Jersey.

Bobby was just here in Columbia with his New Edition partners. They taped a concert DVD at the University of South Carolina's Koger Center. I could not attend but I'm told it was off the chain. I'm also told that Bobby looked high as a kite at his various after party appearances. I wouldn't be surprised if he truly was. Remember, he doesn't smoke marijuana every day, just every other day. At least that's what he told Diane Sawyer. Maybe he was having one of his bad bi-polar days during the visit.

Filing for divorce could be Houston's first step toward true recovery. But I fear the damage to her image and the voice that could help her back to stardom is too severe for a full recovery to her previous status. I will pray for her and 13-year old Bobbi Kristina, Whitney and Bobby's daughter. She's the one true blessing to come out of the marriage. Let's hope the young teenager doesn't suffer too much in the split.

Oh, Good Evening.