Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, has died at the age of 91.
Houston passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at her New Jersey home, surrounded by her family, while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, which is detailed to have been the cause of the death.
The singer is known for her deep faith and powerful voice. Houston’s passing marks the end of a remarkable seven-decade career in music, which is a long way coming.
Houston’s family, including her daughter-in-law Pat Houston, expressed their grief, knowing fully well that she is leaving, stating,
“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.”
Houston, who rose to fame in the 1960s as a member of The Sweet Inspirations, a backing group for artists like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Van Morrison, left an indelible mark on popular music.
Throughout her career, Houston contributed to some of the most iconic songs in history, including Franklin’s “Think” and Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.”
Meanwhile, even after leaving The Sweet Inspirations, she pursued a successful solo career and became one of the most in-demand session singers.
As her family mourns her loss, her legacy will live on, reminding us of her unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to music.