Whitney Houston Rest Stop Officially Opened on Garden State Parkway

The former Vauxhall Service Area on the Garden State Parkway in honor of Whitney Houston was officially opened today at a ceremony hosted by the New Jersey Hall of Fame and The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, unveiling the service area’s exhibits and other initiatives in her honor.

At the newly redesigned service area, guests are now greeted by a captivating and towering
image of Whitney Houston, accompanied by a biography and a display of the platinum record she
earned for her timeless song, “I Will Always Love You.” The exhibit invites visitors to delve deeper
into Whitney’s iconic career, showcasing not only her achievements but also quotes and
compelling images on an interactive “Selfie Monitor,” where visitors can pose for a photo
alongside Whitney Houston or explore profiles of numerous other celebrated New Jersey Hall of
Fame inductees.

“This is another step in our ongoing mission to uphold outstanding New Jerseyans as we educate
and inspire future generations to live their lives on purpose and realize their highest sense of self
and for the greater good,” said Steve Edwards, President of the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
“Through our exhibitions at service areas and transit terminals, our mobile museum, our school
curriculum programs, and our upcoming Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream
this spring, we will tell the story of New Jersey heroes like Whitney Houston and the obstacles
they overcame to be their best.”

Several public officials attended, including State Senator Joseph P. Cryan, the local state
representative and original sponsor for the New Jersey Hall of Fame, and State Senator Patrick
J. Diegnan, who led the effort to rename the parkway service areas after New Jersey Hall of Fame
inductees. Newark Council Member-At-Large Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree introduced Pat
Houston, representing the Estate of Whitney E. Houston.
“Whitney was the true definition of a Jersey girl,” said Pat Houston. “She loved New Jersey and
her hometown. She was born, bred, and educated here. Whitney has traveled to six of the seven
continents, and no matter where she visited, she always looked forward to returning home to
Jersey. And with more than 400 awards and honors to her credits, I know she would be most
proud of the Whitney E. Houston Garden Parkway Service area renamed in her honor.”