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By Jane LaCroix
Contributing Entertainment Writer
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Cissy Houston, the beloved mother of the late Whitney Houston and a legendary gospel singer in her own right, has passed away at the age of 91.
Cissy died on Monday, October 7, at her New Jersey home while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer's disease, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.
Pat expressed the family's sorrow in a heartfelt statement, saying, "Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family." She described Cissy as "a strong and towering figure" whose deep faith and commitment to family, ministry, and community greatly influenced their lives.
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Pat added, "Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts." The family reflected on the contributions Cissy made to popular music and culture, and they are grateful for the time they had with her. "May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney, and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, as well as other cherished family members," Pat said.
She also posted the news on her Instagram account with the caption, "It saddens my heart to announce the passing of my beloved Queen Cissy Houston today! Please keep the Houston family in your prayers💜💜🙏🏽."
Cissy began her musical journey in 1938, performing alongside her sister Anne and brothers Larry and Nicky in a group known as the Drinkard Four. In addition to Whitney, she was also the aunt of renowned singers Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick.
Dionne shared fond memories of her aunt with PEOPLE back in February, stating, "Cissy had an incredible voice, and that transferred to her little baby, Whitney." She emphasized that Whitney's singing roots stemmed from their upbringing in the church choir, describing it as a destiny fulfilled. "Her destiny was as was the rest of the family. As if God pointed a finger at us and said 'Let them vocal cords do what they got to do,'" she said.
Cissy's legacy includes recording the duet "I Know Him So Well" with her daughter in 1987, as well as the 2006 track "Family First," which featured both Dionne and Whitney.
The "I Will Always Love You" songstress tragically passed away on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning, with heart disease and drug use listed as contributing factors.
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