By: Richard L. Smith
Cissy Houston, the renowned soul singer and mother of the late pop icon Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91, according to reports.
Houston died peacefully at her New Jersey home on Monday morning while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, to The Associated Press and People magazine.
In a heartfelt statement, Pat Houston expressed the family’s sorrow:
"Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family. 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, a Grammy Award-winning artist, had a profound impact on the music industry, with a career that spanned over 70 years.
She attended New Hope Baptist Church on Sussex Avenue in Newark where Whitney’s funeral was held and where they both attended worship services at some point.
Sissy’s influence reached beyond her own music, notably in the life and career of her daughter, Whitney Houston.
According to a report from The Associated Press, her contributions to gospel, soul, and R&B music left an enduring legacy.
More details will be shared as additional information becomes available.