Cissy Houston, celebrated gospel singer and mother of the late superstar Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 91. Her death was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, who shared the news on Instagram, expressing sadness over the loss. Cissy died in her home in New Jersey.

Born Emily Drinkard, Cissy Houston embarked on her musical journey singing with her family in a gospel group called the Drinkard Singers. She later became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, a group that provided background vocals for artists like Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. The Sweet Inspirations also released their own recordings which showcased Cissy's vocal prowess.

Cissy Houston's solo career began with the release of her album "Presenting Cissy Houston" in 1970, marking the start of a successful solo journey in music. Her contributions to the industry were recognized with two Grammy Awards, one for her performance of "How I Got Over" in 1996, and the other for her contribution to the soundtrack of "The Preacher's Wife" in 1998, which also featured Whitney.

Apart from her professional accomplishments, Cissy Houston played a significant role in guiding her daughter Whitney's career, which saw astronomical success. However, she also witnessed the tragic aspects of fame as Whitney battled personal issues and eventually passed away in 2012.

Cissy Houston leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of gospel and soul music, characterized by her powerful voice and resilient spirit. Her contributions to the industry have inspired countless artists, and her memory continues to impact fans around the world.