Whitney Houston’s mother, singer Cissy Houston, passed away at the age of 91
8 october 2024 в 00:37
Whitney Houston’s mother and fellow singer, Cissy Houston (real name: Emily Drinkard), has passed away. She was 91 years old. Cissy died under hospice care from Alzheimer’s disease in New Jersey, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston announced on Monday, October 7.
«Our hearts are full of pain and sadness. We have lost the matriarch of our family», - Pat said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press. «Cissy's mother was a strong and majestic figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and beliefs, who cared deeply about family, service, and society. Her more than seventy-year career in music and entertainment will remain at the center of our hearts».
Pat added that her mother-in-law's achievements in music are «undeniable», - according to AP.
«We are touched by your generous support and your display of love in this difficult moment of grief», - Pat said in her statement. «We respectfully ask to be left alone at this difficult time».
The news of Cissy’s death came more than ten years after Whitney’s death at the age of 48 in February 2012.
Cissy was a Grammy award winner, starting her career in 1938 when she collaborated with her sister Anne and brothers Nicky and Larry to create the gospel group The Drinkard Singers. Later, she joined The Sweet Inspirations group. Cissy and Sweet Inspirations performed on stage with Elvis Presley in 1969 in Las Vegas. The group also provided vocals for Van Morrison’s hit «Brown Eyed Girl».
Eventually, Cissy left Sweet Inspirations to pursue her solo career.
After her daughter Whitney’s death, Cissy broke her silence about the tragedy during a 2012 interview with New Jersey station WWOR, as reported by HuffPost.
«I know I did the best I could… I don’t blame myself», - Cissy said. «I know I did the best I could for everything. My children are my life. She was very special to me, very special. She was my only daughter, and a good one».
In addition to Whitney, Cissy was also the mother of sons Michael Houston and Gary Garland
«Our hearts are full of pain and sadness. We have lost the matriarch of our family», - Pat said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press. «Cissy's mother was a strong and majestic figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and beliefs, who cared deeply about family, service, and society. Her more than seventy-year career in music and entertainment will remain at the center of our hearts».
Pat added that her mother-in-law's achievements in music are «undeniable», - according to AP.
«We are touched by your generous support and your display of love in this difficult moment of grief», - Pat said in her statement. «We respectfully ask to be left alone at this difficult time».
The news of Cissy’s death came more than ten years after Whitney’s death at the age of 48 in February 2012.
Cissy was a Grammy award winner, starting her career in 1938 when she collaborated with her sister Anne and brothers Nicky and Larry to create the gospel group The Drinkard Singers. Later, she joined The Sweet Inspirations group. Cissy and Sweet Inspirations performed on stage with Elvis Presley in 1969 in Las Vegas. The group also provided vocals for Van Morrison’s hit «Brown Eyed Girl».
Eventually, Cissy left Sweet Inspirations to pursue her solo career.
After her daughter Whitney’s death, Cissy broke her silence about the tragedy during a 2012 interview with New Jersey station WWOR, as reported by HuffPost.
«I know I did the best I could… I don’t blame myself», - Cissy said. «I know I did the best I could for everything. My children are my life. She was very special to me, very special. She was my only daughter, and a good one».
In addition to Whitney, Cissy was also the mother of sons Michael Houston and Gary Garland
© Artemenko Olga
