The Houston matriarch, a renowned musician who gave birth to a timeless pop icon and collaborated with legends in the entertainment industr…
The Houston matriarch, a renowned musician who gave birth to a timeless pop icon and collaborated with legends in the entertainment industry, has passed away.
Cissy Houston, the renowned musician and mother of the late pop icon Whitney Houston, has died at 91. She passed away on the morning of October 7 at her New Jersey home while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed.
Whitney Houston and her mother, Cissy, in New York City, July 1988
The celebrated artist passed away surrounded by her family. “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss [sic] the matriarch of our family,” Pat said in a statement through the Associated Press.
Cissy Houston at the 35th Anniversary Mother’s Day Weekend Gospelfest in Newark, New Jersey, on May 13, 2017
Recalling her mother-in-law, Pat described her as “a strong and towering figure” who cared deeply about family, ministry, and community, adding that her contributions to popular music and culture were “unparalleled.”
Cissy Houston at the 2016 Newark Celebration 350 Founders Weekend Festival in Newark, New Jersey, on May 15, 2016
Pat added, “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.” Cissy was a two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist who famously worked with legends like Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, and Elvis Presley, the King of Pop.
Aretha Franklin and Cissy Houston at the funeral service for Luther Vandross on July 8, 2005
As news of Cissy’s death spread, tributes from loved ones began to pour in. One came from Whitney’s ex-husband and New Edition musician, Bobby Brown.
Bobby and his current wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, expressed their condolences, “Sending love and blessings to the Houston family on this great loss. May she rest in Peace and Power. The Browns.”
Bobby Brown, Whitney, and Cissy Houston at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards pre-party in New York City on February 24, 1998
The Houston family has also expressed gratitude for the support from fans during this difficult time. Pat noted that the family feels “blessed and grateful” for the many years they shared with Cissy and requested privacy as they continue to grieve.
Cissy Houston at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 2, 2017
Cissy’s legacy as an artist and the devoted mother of one of music’s greatest voices will continue to inspire, leaving an unforgettable impact on her family and the world.
