Whitney Houston’s mother and fellow singer, Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard), has died. She was 91. Cissy died on Monday, October 7, in New Jersey while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, according to her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” Pat said 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.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Kylie Minogue Announces Two Show Dates In France In 2025
Pat also stated that her mother-in-law’s musical abilities are “unrivalled,” according to a report by the Associated Press.
Pat said in her statement, “We are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief. We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.”
Cissy’s death comes more than ten years after Whitney died at the age of 48 in February 2012.
Cissy was a Grammy Award-winning musician who began her career in 1938 as a member of the gospel ensemble The Drinkard Singers, which she formed with sister Anne and brothers Nicky and Larry.
She later joined The Sweet Inspirations. In 1969, Cissy and the Sweet Inspirations performed alongside Elvis Presley in Las Vegas. The quartet also provided vocals for Van Morrison’s hit tune “Brown Eyed Girl.” Cissy eventually departed The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career.
According to HuffPost, Following her daughter Whitney’s death, Cissy spoke out about the tragedy in a 2012 interview with New Jersey station WWOR.
“I know I did the best I could … I don’t blame myself. I know I did the best I could for everything. My children are my whole life. She was very special to me, very special. She was my only daughter, and a good one,” Cissy said.
Cissy was the mother of two sons, Michael Houston and Gary Garland including Whitney.
, has died. She was 91. Cissy died on Monday, October 7, in New){kind=link}