Hollywood actress, rapper and talk show host, Queen Latifah has lost her mother Rita Owens.
Latifah’s mother had been battling a heart condition for some time but finally lost her battle yesterday, the 21st of March, 2018.
Queen Latifah, who’s real name is Dana Owens, released a statement mourning her mother.
She said; “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today,” wrote Latifah. “Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldly but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life.”
“She had struggled with a heart condition for many years and her battle is now over. I am heart broken but know she is at peace,” she continued.
“Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens’ daughter.”
Prior to her mother’s death, Queen Latifah had thrown herself into work to raise awareness on heart failure, she was also very candid in an interview with Essence about the Heart condition and how it had affected their lives.
“My mom was diagnosed with heart failure, it was a complete shock to us,” she said. “It was the last thing we expected, but she passed out in school one day. You know, she was a high school teacher, and she kinda took a dive one day. Initially, it was shock and fear, and then it was like, ‘Ok. What do we do?'”
“So there are a lot of things you can do and there are a lot of people living with heart failure. But you just have to be aware of what’s going on.”