Cissy Houston, the mother of the late songstress Whitney Houston, has died at her home in New Jersey aged 91.
Cissy passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. She was reportedly surrounded by family.
According to the Associated Press, the deceased’s daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed the news, expressing the family’s grief at the loss of their matriarch.
Who is Cissy, Whitney Houston’s mother?
A two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist, she was a top singer who performed with Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and other great artists.
Ciccy started as a church performer from an early age. She was part of a family gospel act before breaking through in popular music in the 1960s as a prominent backing group, The Sweet Inspirations, member with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick. The group sang backup for various soul singers, including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls and The Drifters. They also sang backup for Dionne Warwick.
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Franklin’s Think and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl and Dusty Springfield’s Son of a Preacher Man. The Sweet Inspirations also sang on stage with Presley.
Actor John Amos dies at 84
Meanwhile, veteran actor John Amos, remembered for his role in the sitcom Good Times, passed away at 84. His son, K.C. Amos, reportedly confirmed the news, saying his father died of “natural causes” on August 21 in Los Angeles.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life, and his legacy will live on through his outstanding works in television and film,” K.C. was quoted in the statement.
Following the confirmation, some people have asked why the family did not inform the public until October, though they certainly needed some privacy to mourn their beloved dad.
