(Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

Fans of the song "I'm Every Woman" were disappointed to hear that singer and song writer Chaka Khan pulled out of a tribute to Whitney Houston at The Grammy Awards.

Khan recorded the  song  in 1978, but it became a much bigger hit for Houston when she recorded it for the soundtrack for "The Bodyguard."

Khan was expected to join Jennifer Hudson in honoring the late pop icon at the show. It would have been a nostalgic note for Khan. As a teenager Houston sang backup for Khan, who is probably best known for her hit "I Feel for You."

But in the end, Khan decided to remember her friend privately, tweeting:

"As I grieve the loss of my friend and 'little sister,' I don't feel it appropriate to perform at this time. Continue to pray for the family."