Bobby Brown, whose spontaneous show of grief for Whitney Houston made headlines Saturday night (Feb. 11), issued an official statement about the death of his ex-wife today, asking for privacy for himself and the couple's daughter.

"I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston," the singer said through a spokesperson. "At this time, we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter, Bobbi- Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences that have been directed towards my family and I at this most difficult time."

At a scheduled New Edition concert on Saturday, he told the crowd in Southaven, Miss.: "First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all. Second, I would like to say, I love you, Whitney! The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage."

Brown's voice then reportedly cracked while attempting to sing a ballad, and he left the stage for a brief time. According reports, one of Houston's early hits, "You Give Good Love," played over the loudspeakers during an intermission.

An Us Weekly report claims Brown broke down and sobbed during the song "Tenderoni."

Brown and Houston's often tumultuous marriage, which was riddled with scandal and drug abuse, lasted between 1992 and 2007. They share a daughter, 18-year-old Bobbi Kristina.

Police do not suspect foul play in the death of Houston, 48, who was found in Beverly Hills hotel room on Saturday.