Bobbi Kristina Brown and Nick Gordon never officially married

ATLANTA, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Bobby Brown's lawyer says the singer's daughter Bobbi Kristina never officially married Nick Gordon, even though they publicly referred to each other as spouses.

"Bobbi Kristina is not and has never been married to Nick Gordon," the attorney told TMZ Tuesday.

Brown's 21-year-old daughter with the late Whitney Houston is clinging to life in a Georgia hospital intensive care unit after she was discovered facedown in a bathtub and unresponsive Saturday morning.

She reportedly has been placed in a medically induced coma, has suffered diminished brain function and is breathing on a ventilator.

Bobbi Kristina was initially taken to North Fulton Hospital, but is now being treated at Emory University Hospital.

"Bobbi Kristina is fighting for her life and is surrounded by immediate family," a representative for the family said in a statement to Us Weekly Monday afternoon. "As her father already stated, we are asking you to honor our request for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your prayers, well wishes, and we greatly appreciate your continued support."

Gordon reportedly is who found Bobbi Kristina and called 911 last weekend. Their romance has sparked controversy in recent years because they were raised together by Houston in the same house, even though they are not blood related.

Houston accidentally drowned in a hotel bathtub while intoxicated Feb. 11, 2012. She was 48.