Cissy Houston, the iconic gospel singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, passed away peacefully on Monday morning at the age of 91, her family announced.
A two-time Grammy Award winner, Houston died at her home in New Jersey, where she was receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, according to her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief. We have lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat said, describing Cissy as a “strong and towering figure” whose influence shaped the lives of those around her.
Cissy Houston’s musical career spanned decades, during which she performed alongside legends such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Born in New Jersey in 1933, she was the youngest of eight children and began her musical journey early in life, forming a gospel group with her siblings.
In the 1960s, Cissy co-founded the R&B group, The Sweet Inspirations, who provided backup vocals for some of the biggest names in music, including Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick. Their harmonies also graced Van Morrison’s hit song Brown Eyed Girl.
After her success with The Sweet Inspirations, Cissy Houston pursued a solo career, collaborating with iconic artists such as Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, and her daughter Whitney Houston, who tragically passed away in 2012 at the age of 48.
Cissy won her first Grammy Award in 1997 for her traditional soul gospel album Face to Face, followed by a second Grammy the following year for He Leadeth Me. In addition to her musical achievements, she authored three books, including Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped, a poignant tribute to her daughter.
Even at the age of 80, Cissy continued to captivate audiences, performing alongside Aretha Franklin on The Late Show with David Letterman, where the duo delivered a powerful rendition of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep.
Reflecting on her legacy, Pat Houston stated, “Cissy’s more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will forever remain in our hearts. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to share so many years with us.”
Cissy Houston is now reunited with her daughter Whitney, her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other beloved family members. “May she rest in peace,” Pat concluded.
