Cissy Houston, the iconic gospel singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. She died at her home in New Jersey while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” said Pat Houston, Cissy’s daughter-in-law, in a statement. “Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Cissy Houston began her singing career in 1938 as part of a group called the Drinkard Four, alongside her sister Anne, and brothers Larry and Nicky. She later formed the Sweet Inspirations with her niece Dee Dee Warwick, and their talents as back-up vocalists were sought after by artists such as Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Wilson Pickett.
As a solo artist, Houston released several successful albums and garnered two Grammy awards in her lifetime. Her incredible voice was passed down to her daughter Whitney, who would go on to become one of the greatest singers of all time. Cissy and Whitney even recorded a duet together titled “I Know Him So Well” in 1987.
Despite her own success, Cissy did not shy away from addressing the struggles her daughter faced, particularly her battle with drug addiction. In her revealing memoir titled “Remembering Whitney,” Cissy wrote candidly about the downward spiral that led to Whitney’s tragic death in 2012. She expressed her anger and anguish over the circumstances surrounding Whitney’s passing.
Cissy Houston’s influence was not just felt within her own family. She was a powerhouse in the music industry, with her standards still resonating today. She dedicated her life to her family, her faith, and her music.
As we bid farewell to Cissy Houston, we honor her legacy as a talented singer, a devoted mother, and an inspiration to generations of musicians. May she rest in peace alongside her beloved daughter Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina.
