Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning mother of late star Whitney Houston, has died aged 91.
The gospel music star, who was born on 30 September 1933, died in her New Jersey home while receiving care for Alzheimer's disease.
The star's daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, announced the news on Monday, telling The Associated Press, "Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We (lost) the matriarch of our family."
The statement continued, "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."
Houston added, "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."
Cissy was married twice - first swapping vows with Freddie Garland in 1955, with whom she welcomed NBA player son Gary Garland, and they divorced in 1957.
She then married John Houston Jr in 1964 after welcoming road manager son Michael in 1961 and music icon Whitney in 1961 - who tragically died in 2012 at the age of 48 - before divorcing in 1991.
Cissy won Grammys for her albums Face to Face in 1997 and He Leadeth Me in 1996 in the best traditional soul gospel album category.
