Anyone who saw Whitney Houston could easily fall in love with her. Many people were eager to be with her, and considering everything Kevin Costner has said about her, one might wonder if he was among those who were deeply in love with her. Did he really mean it when he claimed Whitney was his one true love? And what was it about Whitney that Kevin found so captivating?
“You weren’t just pretty; you were as beautiful as a woman could be. And people didn’t just like you, Whitney, they loved you.” Whitney wasn’t just a stunning woman with an incredible voice; she had a heart of gold. It’s no wonder people, including Kevin Costner, were drawn to her. Kevin, in particular, has spoken about her a lot since she passed away.
Their story goes back to 1992 when Whitney and Kevin starred together in “The Bodyguard,” the year’s biggest romantic drama. While the movie was a huge box office success, it was their connection that made headlines. Kevin wanted the most beautiful woman in the world for the role, and he could only think of Whitney. However, getting Whitney to take the part wasn’t easy. She faced hurdles because she was Black, reflecting Hollywood’s racism, and she also lacked acting experience.
“I couldn’t shake off the fact that this was going to be her debut acting gig. We even tossed around the idea of roping in another singer, maybe someone from a different background. No one really voiced it, but it lingered in the air as a valid consideration. There was a lot riding on this decision; perhaps opting for a more seasoned actress would be the safer bet. It was evident I needed to mull over this deeply.
Despite the skepticism and naysayers, and even Whitney’s own hesitations about stepping into the role, Kevin remained steadfast in his belief that she was the perfect fit. ‘Sure, plenty of leading men could’ve tackled my part, but you, Whitney, I genuinely believe you were the only one who could’ve embodied Rachel Marron at that point in time.’
Kevin was out on tour when the folks on the production team raised eyebrows at the idea of Whitney taking on the role, given her lack of acting chops. Whitney later revealed that Kevin personally reached out to her about playing Rachel Marron and was dead set on having her as his co-star. He even went as far as to tell her that if she declined the offer, he wouldn’t proceed with the movie. ‘He flat out said, “If you’re not onboard, count me out too.”‘
It was Kevin’s brainchild for Whitney to belt out “I Will Always Love You,” and he insisted on her delivering it a cappella at the start because he believed it would pack an emotional punch. And he was right; it was pure magic. Their camaraderie on set left Whitney feeling like she had found a lifelong friend, and perhaps even a secret admirer. ‘There were times when Kevin and I would huddle in a corner, poring over our lines. Even on our days off, we’d be rehearsing our scenes together. Kevin’s the kind of guy who really became a buddy to me during this movie. I know I’ve found a friend in Hollywood for keeps.'”
Unfortunately, Whitney passed away in 2012, and Kevin was one of the speakers at her funeral. You could hear the pain in his voice, almost as if he was speaking as a grieving widower. “So, Whitney, off you go, escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly Father. When you sing before Him, don’t you worry—you’ll be good enough.” After Whitney Houston’s passing in February of 2012, Kevin also publicly declared that she was his one true love. He even blamed himself for her death, saying, “I let her down. I should have been there, and I wasn’t. Now, for the rest of my life, I will have to live with that pain. I saved her then; I should have saved her now. She was my one true love.” He proudly admitted to still having “I Will Always Love You” as his ringtone, even though he got teased for it.
It wasn’t a surprise to those who worked with them on “The Bodyguard” that Kevin openly professed his love for Whitney. They always noticed how he looked at her, like he couldn’t take his eyes off her. According to a source from Radar Online, Kevin was completely captivated by her. But at the time, Whitney was engaged to Bobby Brown, so she ended things with Kevin after filming ended. Kevin was also married at the time, but his marriage was already rocky, which might explain why he was so candid about his feelings for Whitney.
Kevin hasn’t stopped speaking fondly of Whitney since then. During a chat on CNN with Anderson Cooper, he revealed how he used to pour his heart out in letters to Whitney, hoping they’d offer some solace as she battled her demons. “When someone asked if I’d write to someone struggling, I said yes without hesitation,” he recalled. In another interview with E.T., Kevin mused about those letters, unsure if they ever reached her. But despite her struggles leading up to her tragic demise, Kevin’s admiration for Whitney never wavered.
“After Whitney passed, people would often tell me how special our relationship was,” Kevin shared. He also recounted the heartbreaking moment he learned of her death, amidst his son’s birthday festivities. Whitney held a unique place not just in Kevin’s heart but in the hearts of millions worldwide. In 2018, reflecting on their collaboration in “The Bodyguard,” Kevin couldn’t help but emphasize Whitney’s pivotal role. “She was the heart of it all. Her presence was captivating, and I just knew she was perfect for the part,” he reminisced. Despite initial doubts from others, Kevin remained steadfast in his belief. Their collaboration not only marked a significant chapter in Whitney’s life and career but bound them together in an unbreakable legacy.
At the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Kevin once again paid tribute to his bond with Whitney, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments and images that movies can create. Reflecting on “The Bodyguard,” he couldn’t help but recall the magic of Whitney’s performance of “I Will Always Love You.” Kevin described how her rendition, starting a cappella, changed the musical landscape forever.
Later that year, in September, Kevin took to Instagram to announce the special screening of “The Bodyguard” for its 30th anniversary. Once again, he showered praise on Whitney, expressing his excitement to relive the film’s magic and her captivating presence on screen.
Despite Kevin’s evident admiration for Whitney, rumors have circulated about the potential obstacles to their relationship. It’s been suggested that Whitney’s preference for Black partners and industry pressures may have played a role. Despite societal double standards, some speculate about what could have been between Kevin and Whitney, imagining them as a great match. One thing is clear: Kevin’s love for Whitney appears unconditional, sparking conversations about the missed opportunity of a romance that never materialized. Share your thoughts on this hypothetical love story in the comments below.
