Grammy-winning singer and talented actress Whitney Houston has died (at the much too young) age of 48.

Whitney passed away today at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.  Her rep confirmed the shocking news.  No cause of death is being released right now, but TMZ says the Beverly Hills PD is launching a full investigation.

Whitney leaves behind one child, her daughter Bobbi Kristina, 18.

Our thoughts are with her family.

UPDATED:

Beverly Hills Police Lieutenant Mark Rosen tells People:

“I can confirm that Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. We received a call at 3:43 p.m. from hotel security and Beverly Hills fire and police responded minutes later.  Someone in her entourage found her unresponsive in her room … It’s unclear who notified hotel staff because she has quite an entourage here at the hotel. We attempted to resuscitate her, to no avail.”

“At this time, there’s no obvious evidence of foul play or cause of death.”

Photos by Wenn.com

I met with Khloe Kardashian today to talk about her work with U by Kotex, as well as ask her some burning questions. She was super sweet and such a delight to interview.

INO: Tell us about your work with U by Kotex.

Khloe: Well, this is my second year working with U by Kotex and it’s really great to be working with them and Girls For A Change. These organizations are all about empowering women and helping them feel more confident. This is something I could relate to. I have two younger sisters and I know how cruel kids can be. You just do not want to pull out a tampon because boys just don’t get that. These tampon containers designed by Patricia Field are so cute and you can use them for so many other things besides tampons.

INO: What is one travel item that you cannot live without when travelling?

Khloe: I cannot travel without my Barefoot Dreams leopard blanket. It’s actually in the other room right now. It was custom made for me. I love it so much.

INO: You travel a lot. It must be drag being away from your family but is there something you enjoy about traveling?

Khloe: I love being able to sleep and turn my cellphone off. It’s the only time I can do that.

INO: You’re in NY and Fashion Week just started. Are you excited to see any shows?

Khloe: I’m actually flying to Dallas tonight. Lamar is going to be home. I make it a point to be home when he’s home. I’m fortunate in that I get to set my schedule but he can’t so I work my a** off when he’s working and when he’s home, I’m there with him. It lets him know that he’s a priority for me.

INO: It’s really awesome that you’re setting such a great example of balancing being a wife with your work life.

Khloe: Thank you! Family has always been a priority for me.

INO: A lot of moms read our site. What’s like for you as a step-mom, balancing work and the kids?

Khloe: Well the kids live here in NY so its great because when there’s a 3 day weekend, we can see them. My step dad, Bruce, set a really great example for me. He never made us feel like we had to choose. He only had the best things to say about my dad. My dad would come over on Sundays with Bruce and my mom and the kids so I was used to blended families.

A fleet of stylish U by Kotex branded taxis will be traveling around the city through February 16th giving free rides.  Each time someone rides in one of these cabs, U by Kotex will donate to Girls for a Change, up to $100,000. Get details on the cars and other ways to get involved by following @UGetsReal on Twitter. The cars are making pick-ups at specific locations throughout the city (Lincoln Center – Corner of 62^nd and 9^th Avenue, and in the Meatpacking District – Hudson between Horatio and Gansevoort Streets) from now through February 16. The U by Kotex movement is all about empowering women. We all have to deal with that time of the month, for sure, but it doesn’t have to be a bland, boring situation. The colors are bold and fun, like Khloe. There’s also chic cases designed by Patricia Field. You can use these to hold tampons, sanitary napkins, or anything else you’d like.

For more on the U by Kotex movement, go to www.kotex.com. For more on Girls For A Change, visitwww.girlsforachange.org.

Ashlee Simpson has been keeping a pretty low profile lately, but here she is looking very chic at Kohl’s Rock and Republic Fashion Show. LOVE everything about her look, from the skinny pants to the scarf, hat and heels.

Ashlee can hold her own against any fashionista! Something tells me we’re going to be seeing more of her at other New York Fashion Week events. I can’t wait to check out what she’s wearing.

Photos by Girlie/Diane Cohen/FameFlynet

Reese Witherspoon was spotted picking up some light reading material when she stopped by a newsstand in Brentwood yesterday. I’m not surprised to see Reese pick up an issue of Town and Country; that seems like her type of magazine .

Are you looking forward to her new movie, ‘This Means War’? It looks like a fun movie.

Photos by FameFlynet

You know the paparazzi were doing their best to get Kristin Cavallari at an angle to show a baby bump. They may have succeeded; I think I can detect a bit of a bump at some angles, but the print of this dress does a great job of hiding it!

I’m surprised Kristin announced her pregnancy so early: it guaranteed her more attention before she had to put up with it. Maybe someone found out and was going to spill the beans? Either way, I’m sure this is an exciting time for Kristin and her fiance, Jay Cutler.

Photos by Dino/VM/FameFlynet

Sarah Jessica Parker may have found it daunting to replace Demi Moore in the ‘Lovelace’ movie to portray feminist icon Gloria Steinem, but it’s done now, so she can just enjoy some down time with her girls!

Sarah was spotted out with her twin daughters, Tabitha and Marion. Tabitha’s in the polka dot pants while Marion’s wearing the pink tights. Aren’t they just Too Cute? As they get older, I can’t wait to see how Sarah dresses them up!

Photos by Brian Flannery/FameFlynet