Houston died Monday morning at her home in New Jersey while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, Houston’s daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed to The Associated Press and People Magazine.

Houston died Monday, Oct. 7, at her home in New Jersey while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed.

“Our hearts are full of pain and sadness. We have lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat said in a statement. “Mother Cissy was a strong and prominent figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction who cared deeply about family, pastoral care and community. Her career spanning more than seven decades in the music and entertainment industry will continue to be at the forefront of our hearts.”