Grammy-winning gospel star Cissy Houston has died aged 91.

The vocalist and mother of late superstar Whitney Houston passed away in her New Jersey home while receiving care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed on Monday (October 7).

“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We [lost] the matriarch of our family,” she told The Associated Press. “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 won Grammys for her albums ‘Face To Face’ (1997) and ‘He Leadeth Me’ (1996) in the Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album category, with tributes flooding in from across the music industry.

Days after honouring Whitney at the 50th American Music Awards with a powerhouse performance of I Will Always Love You, Jennifer Hudson wrote: “Cissy Houston, what a life you lived!.

“You have shared so much with the world – now rest in your eternal reward. I can only imagine the great reunion taking place in heaven today. Get that heavenly choir together!!”

Meanwhile, Bobby Brown – who was married to Whitney between 1992 and 2007, prior to her death in 2012 – and his wife Alicia Etheredge-Brown said in a statement to People: “Sending love and blessings to the Houston family on this great loss.

“May she rest in peace and power.”