Grammy-Winning Icon Cissy Houston Dies at Age 91

(DailyChive.com) – Cissy Houston, the mother of legendary singer Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 91 in her New Jersey home. She had been under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed the news on Monday in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying that Cissy was surrounded by her family at the time of her death.

“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness,” Pat said. “We lost the matriarch of our family.” She went on to say that Cissy’s contributions to music and culture were unmatched, calling her a strong and towering figure who deeply valued her faith, family, and community. Pat also highlighted Cissy’s impressive music career, which spanned over seven decades.

Cissy Houston was a member of the vocal group The Sweet Inspirations, known for singing backup for artists like Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, and Dionne Warwick. The group also performed with the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, and even shared the stage with Elvis Presley in 1969. One of their biggest hits, “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover,” showcased their talent.

After leaving the group, Cissy pursued a successful solo career. Her powerful voice was heard on tracks alongside iconic artists like Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé, and even her daughter, Whitney Houston. Over the years, Cissy received many honors, including two Grammy Awards. Her first came in 1997 for the album Face to Face, followed by another in 1998 for He Leadeth Me.

In addition to her musical achievements, Cissy Houston was also a writer. She authored three books, including Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night the Music Stopped, in which she candidly discussed Whitney’s battle with drug addiction. Cissy shared how she intervened and helped her daughter seek treatment, a difficult chapter in their lives.

Cissy Houston leaves behind a remarkable legacy, both as a performer and a mother. She was truly a force in the world of music and in her family’s life, and her impact will be felt for generations.