Cissy Houston, the iconic singer and actress, passed away at the age of 91 on October 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of music. Throughout her illustrious career, she released numerous albums, including Think It Over, Step Aside For A Lady, and I’ll Take Care of You.
Star of The Preacher’s Wife, Cissy was married twice, first to Freddie Garland and later to John Russell Houston Jr. Both of these unions ended in divorce, and she was a proud mother to three children.
In a heartfelt statement, her daughter-in-law Pat disclosed that Cissy had been struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, which necessitated her hospice care in New Jersey. Pat honored Cissy’s memory by calling her a “strong and towering figure”and further added:
“She was a woman of profound faith and unwavering conviction, deeply devoted to her family, ministry, and the community. Her remarkable career spanning over seven decades in music and entertainment will forever remain in our hearts.”
Pat continued to highlight Cissy Houston’s significant impact on the music scene, concluding with the following words:
“We are so grateful to God for giving us the blessing of her presence for so many years, and we cherish all the invaluable lessons she imparted to us. May she rest in peace alongside her beloved daughter Whitney, granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other cherished family members.”
“On behalf of The Houston Family, we sincerely appreciate your generous support and the outpouring of love during this deeply painful time. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through this challenging period.”
Insights into Cissy Houston’s Marriages and Family Life
Best known as Emily Drinkard, Cissy gained fame for her incredible vocal talent, contributing to groups like the Drinkard Singers and Sweet Inspirations, and establishing herself as a solo artist.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Cissy was a dedicated mother to her daughter Whitney, who herself became a music sensation, along with her two other children, Gary and Michael. While Cissy’s marital history includes two husbands, details regarding their professional lives remain sparse.
Cissy’s first marriage was to Freddie Garland in 1955, which ended in 1964. Shortly thereafter, she remarried John Russell Houston Jr., having met him when she was around 24 years old. Their marriage took place about a year after John’s first marriage to Elsie Hamilton ended, but the couple separated in 1991.
Tragically, Cissy lost her daughter Whitney to an accidental drowning in 2012. In remembrance, she penned a book titled Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss and the Night the Music Stopped, which was published the following year.
In her book, Cissy poignantly reflected on Whitney’s birth and her upbringing, noting the strictness of her husband. She also candidly addressed the struggles her sons faced with addiction during her marriage to John Russell Houston Jr.
After their divorce, John, who had been both Cissy’s and Whitney’s manager, sued Whitney for $100 million in unpaid services. Cissy expressed her feelings in her memoir, stating:
“It left a lot unresolved. I can’t understand why he acted that way – whether it was greed or a desire for control. Still, Whitney found it in her heart to forgive him.”
Cissy Houston’s discography boasts ten albums, released through labels such as Major Minor Records and Columbia Records. She also contributed her vocal talents to soundtracks for films like A Time to Kill and Daddy’s Little Girls.
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