Cissy Houston, mother of the late singer Whitney Houston, died on Monday at 91 years old.

“In our time of deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Emily ‘Cissy’ Houston, who transitioned today, Monday, Oct. 7, at 10:30 a.m. Et, at her home in Newark, New Jersey, while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease,” the Whitney Houston estate said in a statement.

The statement said Houston died “surrounded by her family.” Her sister, Pat Houston, who is the current executor of the Whitney Houston estate, said, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness.”

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“Mother Cissy [was] a strong and towering figure in our lives,” Pat said. “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.