Cissy Houston's Family 'Devastated' by Her Death: 'She Lived a Long, Blessed Life' (Exclusive Source)

Mar. 15, 2025

Whitney Houston and mom Cissy Houston in a throwback photo.

Cissy, mother of the lateWhitney Houstonand a legendary gospel singer herself,died at 91on Monday, Oct. 7 at her home in New Jersey. She was under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.

“The family is taking it hard,” says the insider. “They’re getting through, but it is very difficult right now.”

The source added that Cissy (born Emily Drinkard) “lived a long, blessed life.”

Cissy and Whitney Houston in February 1987. Larry Busacca/Getty

 Larry Busacca/Getty

On Monday, Oct. 7, Cissy’s daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed the news of her death in a statement.

“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We [lost] the matriarch of our family,” she said. “Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts."

Pat added: “Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us and we are thankful for all the many valuable life lessons that she taught us. May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney and granddaughterBobbi Kristinaand other cherished family members.”

Cissy was also an aunt of singersDionne Warwickand Dee Dee Warwick.

Cissy began her singing career in 1938, joining her sister Anne and two brothers Larry and Nicky in a group called the Drinkard Four.

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Cissy Houston in 2017.

Cissy formed a group called the Sweet Inspirations in 1963 with Dee Dee. A few years later, the band was providing back-up vocals for artists like Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield and Wilson Pickett. They ended up working with The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967 andElvis Presleyin 1969.

During her life, Cissy won twoGrammy awards— the first in 1996 for best traditional soul gospel album forFace to Face, and the second in 1998 for her albumHe Leadeth Me.

source: people.com