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Whitney Houston’s Pal Jermaine Jackson: Bobbi Kristina Has “Gotta Stay Strong”

1330023273_jermaine jackson article

Whitney Houston's death hit close to home for Jermaine Jackson. The singer, 57, still mourns the shocking, drug-related loss of his world-famous brother Michael three years ago. And he and Houston, 48 when she died Feb. 11, were friends; Jackson worked with Houston on her chart-topping eponymous 1986 debut album.

Related: PHOTOS: Whitney and Bobby's family album

"I spoke to her mother [Cissy Houston] today, but Whitney was a good friend of mine," Jackson told Us Weekly at Eva Longoria's pre-Oscar bash in Hollywood on Wednesday. "I worked with her on her first album, and I was devastated by [her death]."

Related: PHOTOS: A look back at Whitney's life

And Jackson is understandably concerned for Bobbi Kristina, Houston's 18-year-old daughter with ex Bobby Brown, who has been reeling and "out of control" since her mother's tragic death. (According to multiple insiders, Bobbi Kristina disappeared after her mother's funeral Feb. 18, only to be found several hours later getting high in a hotel room. A Houston family rep denies that Bobbi Kristina ever went missing.)

Jackson's advice for Houston's daughter? "She's got to stay strong and be with her family, and [around that] love," the former Jackson 5 crooner told Us."She's gotta embrace her family."

Related: PHOTOS: Michael Jackson's most unforgettable moments

Continued Jackson: "There are so many bad influences…[you have to] go back to the basics. Surround yourself with love from your family. That's the most important thing."

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