August 28, 2001 – As fans across the country mourn the loss of rising music and film star Aaliyah, her aunt, Gladys Knight, has issued the following statement:

"I remember the day Aaliyah was born... it was a great, beautiful day. I was married to her uncle, Barry Hankerson, and she immediately became a special part of my life, and I became Auntie Gladys to that wonderful little girl. I watched her grow up, and, with the rest of the world, saw her achieve success with her very special and unique talents. From an early age, I knew she had enormous talents, an intrinsic gift.

When she first performed with me in Las Vegas, she was still quite young, but she already had it -- that spark the world would later see and fall in love with. She had a refreshing outlook for one so young, with true respect for her art and for her elders. She brought joy to my heart, and I felt blessed to encourage and support her professionally and personally as she strove for each new goal. Her star had just begun to shine so brightly. Though she was ours for only a short time, what a time it was. I love Aaliyah, and I will miss her for the rest of my life."