Cissy Houston, gospel icon and matriarch, dies at 91

Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy winner, was a renowned gospel singer. She passed away surrounded by family. In her last moments, she was under hospice care, suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

"Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family," said Pat Houston, the artist's daughter-in-law, in a special statement. "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."

The Houston family had already suffered painful losses: in 2015, Bobbi Kristina, the daughter of Whitney and Bobby Brown, died at the age of 22. In the statement following Cissy Houston's passing, the family expressed hope that she now rests in peace alongside her beloved daughter Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina.

When the funeral of the tragically deceased singer took place in 2012, a letter from Cissy to her daughter was read during the ceremony. "You were a child of God," she wrote, emphasizing that their home was full of life, joy, and love. Cissy also mentioned that from Whitney's birth, she felt her daughter wouldn't be with her for long. "And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years," she added.

Whitney's mother also recalled moments just before her daughter's death. "For two months now I have been depressed, crying, lonesome and sad not knowing why. On Saturday, before I found out about your transition, my doorbell rang. I went to answer it but there was no one there." Cissy Houston concluded the letter by recalling Whitney's plans to spend time with her after the Grammy Awards. "You promised me you were coming to spend time with me after the Grammys. I believe the spirits allowed you to come after all."