Houston and Michael Jackson had once loved each other.

Whitney Houston "really wanted to marry" Michael Jackson, according to their friend David Gest.

International media outlets reported the music producer was a close confidant of both the late stars, and he believes Whitney - who was laid to rest in New Jersey on Sunday on Feb. 19 - would have liked to have got together with the "Thriller" singer, but he was "too shy" to make a move on her.

"She really loved Michael and he adored her," he said. "Michael told me they once shared a passionate kiss, and she told me she was at one time very much in love with him.