Queen Latifah’s mother, Rita Owens, died on Wednesday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today,” the star said in a statement to People. “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.”
Latifah went on to share that Owens struggled with a heart condition for many years.
“I am heartbroken but know she is at peace,” Latifah added. “Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. Much love, Dana Ownes (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens’ daughter.”
On Wednesday evening, Latifah posted a montage of her mother writing the caption “143,” which also means “I love you.”
In 2015, the pair opened up about Owens health and the work required to stay healthy. Latifah told the magazine that when she’s wasn’t in California, she was caring for her mother alongside relatives in New Jersey.
“As a caregiver – it’s just like being a parent, like some things really don’t matter,” the rapper and actress explained. “All the kind of frivolous things sort of fall to the side because there’s something way more important than all that. And when we go through these things together as a family, I realize, these are the important things, these are the important moments.”
Source: pagesix.com
