"She's developed emphysema -- and her doctors are warning her she'll die a horrible death," a friend of the singer told the Enquirer.
Medical professionals have also told Houston, 47, that if she does not completely kick her smoking habit there is no doubt that the disease will take her life. But Houston isn't so keen on ditching the cigs, and the task of weening the 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' singer off of her crutch has fallen to 18-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristin -- who, fresh off a stint in rehab, is recovering from her own substance addictions.