Cissy Houston, soul and gospel singer and mother to Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 91.

According to her daughter-in-law Pat Houston, Houston, a two-time Grammy winner who provided backup vocals for Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, died Monday morning, Octiber 7th, at her New Jersey home. Houston was receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s illness as her family was by her side.

“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” shared Pat Houston in a statement. “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.”

“On behalf of The Houston Family, we are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief,” said the family in a statement. “We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.”