The Complicated Relationship Between Cissy Houston and Whitney Houston

In her 2013 book, Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped, Cissy Houston, the grieving mother of legendary singer Whitney Houston, delved into the complex and often tumultuous relationship she had with her daughter. The book was met with criticism from Whitney’s late daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who passed away in 2015. Bobbi Kristina labeled the memoir as “disrespectful” for its candid discussion of Whitney’s struggles with drug abuse, her turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown, and rumors of a gay relationship.

Despite the backlash, Cissy stood by her decision to share her story, shedding light on the challenges she faced as a mother trying to navigate Whitney’s fame and personal demons. She addressed Whitney’s relationship with Brown, stating that she did not hold him responsible for her daughter’s tragic death.

In an interview promoting her book, Cissy reflected on the complexities of parenthood, stating: “Good mothers and good fathers and good families don’t always have great children.” This sentiment encapsulates the pain and heartache that Cissy experienced as she watched her daughter struggle with fame, addiction, and ultimately, her untimely passing.