Whitney Houston would have turned 49 today (August 9) so in honor of her birthday, friends and fans are tweeting their love for the late diva.

Bobbi Kristina made a permanent decision to honor her mom, getting Whitney’s initials tattooed on her wrist.

“Now you’re truly ALWAYS with us, mommy,” Bobbie tweeted along with a photo she posted of the tat, which features a large W.H. written in script surrounded by two tiny crosses and four sparrows. In Whitney’s upcoming movie, Sparkle, she sings the gospel hymn, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

Jordin Sparks and other cast members from the singer’s last movie, due out August 17, started celebrating Whitney’s birthday a day early, requesting the world get the hashtag #HappyBirthdayWhitney trending. But it was Jordin’s heartfelt birthday message that showed how much she cared for Whitney.

Happy Birthday Whitney! I can't wait 4 everyone to see you #Sparkle on August 17! I love you & miss you so much! http://t.co/G85PIijW

—
Jordin Sparks (@JordinSparks) August 09, 2012

 
Other celebrities took to Twitter to show their love for a star that was lost too soon.

Happy Birthday Whitney Houston! You will always be in my heart! #IWillAlwaysLoveYou http://t.co/vFmfqrfo

—
Rihanna (@ImRiriFenty) August 09, 2012

Happy Birthday to the GREATEST VOICE OF ALL TIME!! Whitney Houston, you are the dream!!! You are the inspiration!! You are MY ANGEL!

—
Brandy Norwood (@4everBrandy) August 09, 2012

Happy birthday Whitney. Let's remember this beautiful icon on the day of her birth. #RIPWhitneyHouston

—
Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 09, 2012

What is your favorite Whitney memory? Share it below or tweet at us!

-Shannon Carlin, CBS Local