The Houston family matriarch, who gave birth to a timeless pop icon and collaborated with legends throughout her career, passed away at home, a close relative shared.
Cissy Houston, the renowned musician and mother of the late pop icon, Whitney Houston, died 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. Cissy was 91.
Whitney Houston and her mother, Cissy, in New York City, July 1988 | Source: Getty Images
At the time of her death, Cissy was 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 | Source: Getty Images
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 | Source: Getty Images
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 winner who famously worked with legends like Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, and Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll.
Aretha Franklin and Cissy Houston at the funeral service for Luther Vandross on July 8, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
As news of her 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 | Source: Getty Images
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 | Source: Getty Images
In remembering Cissy’s legacy, her remarkable music career stands out. She first gained recognition in a family gospel group and later rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of The Sweet Inspirations, a renowned backing group that performed with major soul artists like Otis Redding and Dionne Warwick.
The Sweet Inspirations, featuring Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell, and Estelle Brown, in 1968 | Source: Getty Images
Cissy’s impressive credits include Franklin’s “Think” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.” Her vocals appear on over 600 recordings alongside artists such as Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Beyoncé.
Cissy Houston at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on May 13, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to her music career, Cissy was also a published author, leaving behind a deeply personal memoir dedicated to her late daughter, Whitney.
In her 2013 memoir, “Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss and the Night the Music Stopped,” she described Whitney as a loving daughter, sister, mother, and a dedicated musician and professional who valued her success.
Cissy Houston’s memoir “Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss and the Night the Music Stopped” | Source: Getty Images
Cissy had been close to Whitney, whom she fondly called “Nippy,” the late pop singer’s childhood nickname. She also shared how special Whitney was to her, “I love my sons, but Nippy was the youngest, and a girl, and she was my heart.”
Whitney and Cissy Houston on ABC on May 10, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Whitney was found dead in a hotel bathtub in 2012. The Los Angeles County coroner determined her death was caused by accidental drowning, with heart disease and substance abuse as contributing factors. She was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, New Jersey.
Whitney Houston at BET’s 25th Anniversary on October 26, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
In the aftermath of her daughter’s death, Cissy found much of the news coverage about the late pop singer to be misleading. This prompted her to write her memoir. “I was reading things that weren’t true, and that’s when I decided that I needed to do something,” she said.
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Cissy Houston signs a copy of her book, “Remembering Whitney,” at Bookends in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on January 31, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Cissy emphasized that she wanted people to understand how a “wonderful, giving person” Whitney was, adding, “She made a lot of mistakes, but so many people have made mistakes, and haven’t been treated like that — with people talking about them, saying hurtful things that are or aren’t true. I’m just trying to set everyone straight.”
Cissy Houston on “The View” on February 12, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Cissy was also candid about her feelings toward Whitney’s ex-husband, Bobby. “I don’t think her husband was any good for her. I’ve said it before and I will say it again,” she said.
Despite the successes and struggles within her family, Cissy’s role as a devoted mother surpassed her celebrity status. Her strength, faith, and love will continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact.
