Cissy Houston, the iconic gospel singer and beloved mother of the legendary Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. The heartbreaking news was shared by her family on Monday morning, revealing that she died peacefully at her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.

Pat Houston, Cissy's daughter-in-law, expressed the family's profound grief, stating, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” capturing the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew her well. Cissy Houston was a undeniable force, revered as a “strong and towering figure” in both her family and the music industry.

Born in New Jersey in 1933 as the youngest of eight children, Cissy's musical journey began early, forming a gospel group with her siblings. Her career soared in the 1960s when she became a key member of the R&B group The Sweet Inspirations, providing backup vocals for music legends such as Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. The group’s vocal talents also graced Van Morrison's much-loved hit "Brown Eyed Girl."

Transitioning to a solo career, Houston collaborated with an impressive array of artists, including Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Simon, and her daughter, Whitney, further cementing her legacy in the music world. Her contributions earned her two Grammy Awards for her soul gospel albums, “Face to Face” and “He Leadeth Me,” the latter winning accolades in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

Cissy Houston was not just an artist; she was also an author. She penned three books, most notably "Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped," chronicling her life and the challenges faced after the tragic loss of Whitney in 2012.

Remarkably, Cissy continued to inspire her fans well into her later years. At 80, she joined the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, on "The Late Show with David Letterman" for a breathtaking rendition of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep," demonstrating that age was no barrier to her passion for music.

Her daughter-in-law Pat shared a poignant message in tribute: “Cissy's more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts,” highlighting the enduring influence she will have on future generations. “We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us.”

As the family mourns this tremendous loss, they take solace in the legacy Cissy Houston leaves behind—a beautiful family bond and a trail of musical history that will resonate forever. The family requests thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, hoping she finds peace alongside Whitney and her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, as well as other cherished family members.

Cissy Houston’s spirit will surely live on in the hearts of her loved ones and fans alike, reminding us all of the power of music and the importance of family.