Cissy Houston’s family is “devastated” by her death, a source tells PEOPLE.
Cissy, mother of the late Whitney Houston and a legendary gospel singer herself, died at the age of 91 on Monday, October 7 at her home in New Jersey. She was under hospital care for Alzheimer’s disease.
“The family is taking it hard,” says the insider. “They are passing, but it is very difficult now.”
The source added that Cissy (née Emily Drinkard) “lived a long, blessed life”.
Cissy and Whitney Houston in February 1987.
Larry Busacca/Getty
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother and Grammy-winning singer, has died at 91.
On Monday, October 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. Me [lost] the matriarch of our family,” she said. “Mother Cissy was a strong and tall figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared deeply about family, service and community. Her music and entertainment career spanning more than seven decades will remain in 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 grateful for all the many valuable life lessons she taught us. May she rest in peace, with her daughter, Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members.”
Cissy was also the aunt of singers Dionne Warwick and 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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In 1963, Cissy founded a group called Sweet Inspirations with Dee Dee. A few years later, the band was a back-up vocalist for artists such as Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield and Wilson Pickett. They ended up working with The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967 and Elvis Presley in 1969.
In 1963, Cissy released her first solo song, “This Is My Vow”; however, her earlier records spell her name as “Sissie” Houston. In 1970, she released her solo debut LP Introducing Cissy Houstonwhich included hits like “Be My Baby” and “I’ll Be There.” Two years later, she sang backing vocals on Bette Midler’s debut album.
During her lifetime, Cissy won two Grammy Awards — the first in 1996 for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for Face to faceand another in 1998 for her album He guides me.
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Source: HIS Education