The superstar singer and actress’s publicist, Kristin Foster, broke the news of Houston’s passing to the AP, but thus far, no cause of death has been revealed. In recent years, she struggled with drug abuse.

Her self-titled debut album, released in 1985, sold 25 million copies worldwide. In total, she released seven albums and three film soundtracks; a winner of six Grammys, Houston sold over 170 million albums and singles worldwide. She earned 30 Billboard Awards, 22 American Music Awards and 2 Emmy Awards. She starred in three films, beginning with 1992′s “Waiting to Exhale,” and was due to star in her big screen comeback later this year, a remake of the film “Sparkle.”

She is survived by daughter Bobbi Kristina and ex-husband Bobby Brown. Theirs was a tumultuous marriage, marred by drugs, and ended in 2007. She spent time in rehabilitation for her drug problems, most recently in May 2011.

Source: thehuffingtonpost