How many children did Cissy Houston have? Whitney Houston's mother passes away at 91

Grammy-winning gospel singer and Whitney Houston's mother Cissy Houston died at the age of 91. Born Emily Drinkard, the Houston matriarch passed away around 10:30 am ET on Monday, October 7. She was under hospice care in New Jersey as she was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Gwendolyn Quinn, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston representative, confirmed her death in a statement shared with USA Today. She noted that the singer was surrounded by family when she died.

Cissy Houston has three children from two marriages—Gary, the late Whitney Houston, and Michael. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, also shared a statement confirming the demise of the "matriarch of their family," whom she referred to as "Mother Cissy."

Cissy was a two-time Grammy-winning singer who rose from being part of the gospel group called The Drinkard Four, later renamed The Drinkard Singers, to becoming part of The Sweet Inspirations. They provided vocals for several of the '60s biggest artists like Lou Rawls, Otis Redding, The Drifters, Dusty Springfield, and Aretha Franklin.

The late Houston matriarch also performed with a wide range of iconic names in music, including David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Bette Midler, and Chaka Khan, among many others.

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Cissy Houston's family pays tribute as the Grammy-winning singer passed at 91

With news of Cissy Houston's death, her family remembered her legacy in the music scene. Recognizing her part in their family and community, Pat Houston said:

"Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our loves. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community."

She also mentioned the late gospel singer's "seven-decade career in music and entertainment," adding that her legacy will remain at the center of their hearts. Pat further said:

"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."

Pat Houston also shared the news of the gospel singer's passing on Instagram. Alongside a collage of the late singer's pictures throughout the years, she wrote that it saddened her heart to announce the death of their "beloved Queen Cissy Houston." She asked friends to keep the Houston family in their prayers.

Whitney Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown, paid tribute to his late former mother-in-law. On Monday, the New Edition musician told People magazine:

"Sending love and blessings to the Houston family on this great loss. May she rest in Peace and Power. The Browns."

Cissy Houston celebrated her 91st birthday on September 30, 2024. Pat shared a picture of herself and the late singer, referring to her as "our Queen." The two were seen smiling while looking at the camera as Cissy sat on an armchair and Pat propped herself beside her.

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Pat asked for privacy for the Houston family during this difficult time.