Who was Cissy Houston married to? Marriages explored as Whitney Houston's mother died aged 91

Well-known singer Cissy Houston, 91, unexpectedly passed away on October 7, 2024. She additionally had a successful career as an actress and released several albums such as Think It Over, Step Aside For A Lady, and I'll Take Care of You.

The Preacher's Wife star tied the knot twice with Freddie Garland and John Russell Houston Jr. However, both marriages ended in divorce and she was a mother of three children.

Her daughter-in-law Pat revealed in a statement that Cissy was battling Alzheimer's disease due to which she was in hospice care at her New Jersey-based residence. Pat additionally expressed her grief by describing Cissy as a "strong and towering figure" for everyone. She further stated:

"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 continued praising Cissy Houston's contributions to the music industry and ended by saying:

"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 granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members."

Pat's statement was also shared through the official Facebook page of Cissy's daughter Whitney and it also reads:

"On behalf of The Houston Family, we are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief. We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time."

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Cissy Houston's marriages did not last long for more than a few years: Husbands and other details explained

Also known as Emily Drinkard, she gained recognition over the years for her flawless singing skills. She was a part of groups like Drinkard Singers and Sweet Inspirations and even pursued a career as a solo artist.

But apart from all these, Cissy Houston also had a family, including her daughter Whitney who went on to become a popular face in the world of music. She had two more children, Gary and Michael. Although she married twice, detailed information on her husband's profession remains unknown.

Cissy's first marriage was to Freddie Garland in 1955. The duo split in 1964 and Cissy exchanged vows with John Russell Houston Jr. the same year. The latter met Houston when she was around 24 years old and they tied the knot around a year after John separated from his first wife Elsie Hamilton. Cissy and John separated in 1991.

Cissy's daughter Whitney passed away in 2012 from accidental drowning and the former wrote a book in her memory, titled Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss and the Night the Music Stopped. The book was published the following year.

Cissy Houston spoke about Whitney's birth in the book and recalled her childhood, stating that she had a strict father. Cissy also spoke up on how her sons battled with drug addiction alongside the problems that emerged when she was married to John Russell Houston Jr.

John had once served as a manager to Cissy and Whitney and following his divorce from Cissy, he sued Whitney for $100 million, claiming that she did not pay for his services. Cissy said in the book that she and John shared a lot of love for each other and added:

"It was left kind of unresolved. I don't know why he did that – greed, or his being controlling. But Whitney forgave him for it."

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Cissy Houston has ten albums in her credits, released through companies like Major Minor Records and Columbia Records. She also gave her voice in the soundtrack of films like A Time to Kill and Daddy's Little Girls.