AceShowbiz - Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy-winning gospel singer and the mother of the late pop sensation Whitney Houston, died on Monday morning, October 7 at her New Jersey home. She was surrounded by family and under hospice care for Alzheimer's disease when she passed away at the age of 91.

Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, shared the news with a heavy heart. "Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family," Pat Houston stated, highlighting Cissy's profound impact on her family and the music industry.

Cissy Houston, born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, was the youngest of eight children. She began her singing career at the tender age of five with her siblings, forming the gospel quartet The Drinkard Four. This group eventually expanded and became known as The Drinkard Singers, featuring members such as her celebrated niece Dionne Warwick.

The singer's journey took a notable turn in 1963 when she co-founded The Sweet Inspirations with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick. This group became renowned for their soulful backup vocals, supporting legends like Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Van Morrison. Their contribution to Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" and Jimi Hendrix's "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" remains iconic.

After leaving The Sweet Inspirations in 1969, Cissy Houston launched a successful solo career. Her powerful voice made her an in-demand session singer, leading her to record over 600 songs across various genres. She collaborated with a plethora of artists, including Luther Vandross, Beyonce Knowles, Paul Simon, and her daughter Whitney Houston. Her notable works include performances on Burt Bacharach's solo album and Barbra Streisand's hit song "Evergreen."

Cissy's solo achievements were marked by her Grammy wins for traditional soul gospel albums "Face to Face" in 1996 and "He Leadeth Me" in 1998. She also penned three books, including the memoir "Remembering Whitney: A Mother's Story of Life, Loss, and The Night the Music Stopped," which offered an intimate look at her life and her daughter's legacy.

Despite the personal tragedies of losing her daughter Whitney in 2012 and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina in 2015, Cissy Houston remained a figure of strength and faith, highly respected in both the music and religious communities. Her legacy is enshrined not only in her music but also in the indelible values of family, ministry, and community she upheld throughout her life.

The family has requested privacy during this challenging time but has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received.

Cissy Houston's remarkable seven-decade career and extraordinary contributions to music and culture will forever remain at the forefront of our hearts. As the family mourns, Cissy's legacy continues to inspire and resonate, making her an eternal icon in the world of gospel and beyond.