PEOPLE
Only days after the beloved entertainer celebrated her 48th birthday, Queen Latifah is in mourning after losing her mother.
Following the passing of her mother, Rita Owens, Queen Latifah shared a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today. Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth.”
She continued, “She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldy 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. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time.”
According to reports, Owens was first diagnosed with heart failure in 2004 but dealt with the condition with medication, a healthy diet, and a chest defibrillator. Back in September, the actress talked about her mother’s health, saying, “As a caregiver, it’s just like being a parent, like some things really don’t matter. 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.” She continued, “Whatever some tabloid printed means nothing, money doesn’t mean anything, work is great – I work so that I can take care of my family – but the family is the most important thing.”