Cissy Houston, the two-time Grammy-winning gospel singer, mother of the late Whitney Houston and backup singer for acts ranging from Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin to Jimi Hendrix, Paul Simon and Luther Vandross, died today of complications from Alzheimer's disease at her home in New Jersey. She was 91.
Cissy Houston, mother of late Whitney Houston, dies at 91 | E! News
Her death was announced by her family.
“In our time of deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Emily ‘Cissy’ Houston, who passed away today, Monday, October 7, at 10:30 a.m. ET, at her home in Newark, New Jersey, while under hospice care for Alzheimer's disease,” read the family's statement, obtained by Deadline.
Houston was born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark. The youngest of eight children, she began her singing career in 1938 when she formed the gospel group The Drinkard Four with her sister Anne and brothers Larry and Nicky.
