The Houston family has lost their beloved matriarch, Cissy Houston, who was both the mother of iconic pop star Whitney Houston and a celebrated musician in her own right.
A close relative shared that Cissy passed away peacefully at her New Jersey home on the morning of October 7 while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. She was 91 years old, and her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed her passing.
Surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her death, Cissy was remembered as a pillar of strength.
In a heartfelt statement through the Associated Press, Pat Houston expressed the family’s deep sorrow, saying, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family.”
Reflecting on her mother-in-law’s legacy, Pat described Cissy as “a strong and towering figure” who prioritized family, ministry, and community.
She praised Cissy’s “unparalleled” contributions to popular music and culture, noting that her more than 70-year career in entertainment will remain forever in their hearts. Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy winner, famously collaborated with legends such as Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley.
As news of her death spread, tributes poured in, including a message from Whitney’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, and his wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, who expressed their condolences to the Houston family, saying, “Sending love and blessings… May she rest in Peace and Power.”
Cissy’s legacy in music is undeniable. She first gained recognition in a family gospel group and rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of The Sweet Inspirations, a notable backing group for artists like Otis Redding and Dionne Warwick.
Her impressive credits include iconic songs like Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” and her voice appears on more than 600 recordings alongside artists such as Luther Vandross and Beyoncé.
Beyond her musical achievements, Cissy was also a published author. In her 2013 memoir, Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss and the Night the Music Stopped, she reflected on her close bond with her daughter, whom she affectionately called “Nippy.”
The memoir was written to set the record straight following Whitney’s tragic death in 2012, as Cissy felt much of the media coverage was inaccurate.
Cissy’s lasting legacy is not just her musical accomplishments but also her unwavering dedication as a mother and the love she had for her family.