Cissy Houston, renowned gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, has passed away
During her career, the artist won two Grammy awards. She was 91 years old and suffered from Alzheimer's disease, for which she was receiving palliative care.
Whitney Houston and Cissy Houston, in 1990
Gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, has died at age 91 at her home located in New Jersey. She was receiving palliative care due to the Alzheimer's disease from which she suffered.
"Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family," said daughter-in-law Pat Houston, in comments collected by the Associated Press. "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."
Before delving into commercial music in the 1960s, Houston was a member of a family church gospel group.
She was a backup singer for Otis Redding, Lou Rawls and The Drifters, among others, and a founding member of the R&B group The Sweet Inspirations. She won two Grammy Awards during her career.
LATEST
