Replies

Howard's Eulogy for Anna Nicole...

"The truth, there's only one truth, and it's not what people say in court, even if those people are your blood relatives," said Howard. "It's not what people who claim to be your friends say to the media. ... The truth is what your life ... what you touch, what you feel, what you see with your own eyes, what you observe for yourself. I know the truth about Anna. ...

"No one could give Anna the credit she deserved. It doesn't matter what anyone says. We know the truth. ... People questioned whether she was bright, she didn't graduate from high school... I could guarantee you, Anna was smarter than I am. She became a household name. [She was one] of the most famous people in the world. It didn't happen by accident, it wasn't managers, lawyers, agents, it wasn't me, it was all her. ...

"Anna was an entertainer, a true entertainer. It didn't matter if she was acting just with her friends, she knew what people wanted and she gave people what they want. ... It didn't matter where we were or who was there -- actors, musicians, politicians -- everybody's focus was on Anna. She was the center of attention, it wasn't even close. ...

"MARILYN MONROE was her idol, [and] I'll bet you if they lived at the same time, and they met, Marilyn would be flocking to Anna. It's not disrespect to Marilyn ... it's just that Anna was that special.

"When Anna was alive it was one thing, but it was wrong for people to portray Anna the way they did when she passed away ... people who claim to be friends, her lawyer and even the judge ... if these people have decency, or dignity, or any concern for Anna or DANNIELYNN, they wouldn't have done it ... it was disrespectful, but not the truth that I know, not the truth that I know. ...

"She controlled her life. Her opinions were her opinions, and her judgment wasn't clouded by anything, she was wonderful and she was kind. To me she was perfect. ... She lived her life in a fishbowl and fought with one of the richest men in the world, all the way to the Supreme Court, and she was publicly ridiculed every day. ... The only thing she couldn't overcome was the death of her son, DANIEL, who was the world to her. And I quote [from Anna's eulogy for Daniel], 'You were my rock, the only one that kept me solid. ... You were always afraid of dying, and I never believed you, and now you're gone. It's so hard to think of you ... my heart is empty, I will come home to you.'

"From the day that Daniel passed, she had nightmares that Daniel was lost and he didn't know what to do. ... Well, Anna, today you are going home to Daniel to the Bahamas and in heaven. I understand how you felt when Daniel died because you were my rock, and now my heart is empty. I wish God took me instead. ... When we were together, it didn't matter what people said, nothing mattered because we knew the truth. ... Sometimes it felt like it was us against the world. I can't believe that you're gone and you're not here to protect anyone, and honestly, sometimes I don't know how I'm gonna go on, but I know that my work isn't done. I still have to protect you, I have to protect your wishes, I have to protect your name, and most of all I have to protect Dannielynn, and I promise you, as long as I'm still breathing, I will, no matter who comes at me.

"You and I, we know the truth. We lived it, and that's all that matters. When my work is done, I promise you, I will come home to you again, both you and Daniel. I love you."

Virgie's Eulogy for Anna Nicole...

"You were a beautiful baby, you were so loved," she said. "We all loved you and have so many stories to tell about you."

Looking back fondly on their family's early years, Virgie continued: "So many great times, so many fun times."

While wiping away tears, ANNA NICOLE's mother, who hadn't seen her daughter in the last decade, and was booed by the crowds outside the church as she arrived for the funeral, recalled how her daughter's life took many turns -- for better and for worse.

"We watched you grow into a beautiful woman and we watched you stumble a few times ... but you always got back up and carried on," she said. "So headstrong, you accomplished all of the wonderful dreams that you wanted."

She also spoke of how Anna Nicole's success came from her admirable determination. "You have shown us that if you want something in life bad enough, walk tall and never quit," she said.

Wrapping up her eulogy, Virgie spoke of the love she and her family have for Anna Nicole. "We've always been here for you," she said. "We love you and know that you loved us. Goodbye, my baby daughter."