Cissy Houston, the celebrated gospel singer and matriarch of the iconic Houston family, has passed away at the age of 91. The news was announced by her family, revealing she died peacefully in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer's disease.

In a heartfelt statement, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston expressed the profound loss felt by the family, calling Cissy a “strong and towering figure.” She stated, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family.”

Known for her incredible vocal talents, Cissy Houston enjoyed a career that spanned decades, collaborating with legendary artists including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Born in New Jersey in 1933, she was the youngest of eight children and began her musical journey early on, forming a gospel group with her siblings.

In the 1960s, Cissy became a key member of the R&B group The Sweet Inspirations, renowned for backing major acts such as Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick. The group also contributed their vocals to the classic tune “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison.

Venturing into a solo career, Cissy graced the stage alongside a diverse range of artists including Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé, and her own daughter, the late Whitney Houston, who tragically passed away in 2012 at the young age of 48.

Cissy Houston's notable achievements include winning two Grammy Awards, one for her traditional soul gospel album *Face to Face* in 1997 and another the following year for *He Leadeth Me*. In addition to her music, she authored three books, one of which is a touching tribute to her daughter titled *Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped*.

In a remarkable moment even at the age of 80, Cissy Houston performed alongside the legendary Aretha Franklin on *The Late Show with David Letterman*, covering Adele's hit “Rolling in the Deep.”

Her family expressed immense gratitude for the time they had with her, affirming that her "more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts." The family finds solace in the notion that Cissy is now reunited with Whitney, granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other beloved family members.

Cissy Houston's legacy as a powerhouse in the music industry and as a devoted mother will forever live on, inspiring generations to come. May she rest in peace.