The 91-year-old mother of Whitney Houston, Cissy, passed away

Whitney Houston’s mom passed away at the age of 91.

Cissy Houston, the late superstar’s mother and singer, was a two-time Grammy winner who shared the stage with legends like Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. She passed suddenly early on Monday, October 24, at her home in New Jersey.

Her in-lawn daughter Pat Houston revealed that Cissy passed away while receiving hospice care for her Alzheimer’s disease. The singer was reportedly surrounded by loved ones when she passed away.

“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness,” Pat stated in a statement. Our family’s matriarch passed away.

Her mother-in-law, she continued, made “unparalleled” contributions to music, adding, “Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives.” a devout, deeply religious woman who valued her community, family, and ministry.

“Her career spanning over seven decades in music and entertainment will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

During her musical career, Cissy joined the vocal trio Sweet Inspirations, which included her niece Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy.

They provided backup vocals for some legendary soul singers, such as Dionne Warwick, Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, and the Drifters.

The quartet also contributed backing vocals to the Jimi Hendrix Experience song “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” and appeared on Van Morrison’s hit song “Brown Eyed Girl.”

Cissy contributed to the 1967 release of Aretha Franklin’s iconic song “Ain’t No Way.”

Following the group’s 1969 onstage appearance with Elvis Presley for his renowned Las Vegas show, she gave her last performance with the Sweet Inspirations.

And “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover,” the group’s biggest hit, came from her final recording session with them.

After leaving the trio to focus on her solo career, Cissy became one of the most sought-after session singers in the world.

Her voice can be heard on songs by Paul Simon, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, and a plethora of other artists. She recorded over 600 songs in a wide range of genres.

She won Grammys for her albums “Face to Face” and “He Leadeth Me” following years of performing in gospel music.