Dionne Warwick Mourns the Death of Her Aunt, Cissy Houston: “She’s in a Much Better Place”

Dionne Warwick is speaking out after the passing of her beloved aunt, gospel legend Cissy Houston, who died at 91 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. In a heartfelt message shared to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, October 8, Warwick, 83, expressed her sorrow while also finding comfort in knowing her aunt passed peacefully.

“I’m so deeply saddened, however, knowing that my Aunt Cissy died peacefully and that she is in a much better place is a consolation and comfort to me,” Warwick wrote. “I have seen your messages of condolences. On behalf of my family, thank you. ❤️”

Cissy, a Grammy-winning vocalist and mother of the late Whitney Houston, had a profound influence on both Warwick and Whitney’s careers. Both Warwick and Cissy started their musical journey in the family gospel group, the Drinkard Singers, managed by Warwick’s mother and Cissy’s sister, Lee.

Cissy’s death was announced in a statement from her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, who described the late singer as “the matriarch of our family” and a “woman of deep faith and conviction.” Pat added, “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts… May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney, and granddaughter, Bobbi Kristina.”