Queen Latifah’s Mother Rita Owens Dies From Chronic Heart Condition

Dana Owens a.k.a the great Queen Latifah, announced Wednesday that her mother, Rita Owens, has passed away from a severe heart condition that has been ailing her for more than a decade.

“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 was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldly but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life.”
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Heart failure is a chronic progressive condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently through the body. Rita Owens was on medication and had a defibrillator implanted in her chest to prevent heart attacks She was also on a strict diet of low salts and fats with lots of vegetables.

“She had struggled with a heart condition for many years and her battle is now over… I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. 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.”
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Latifah mentioned to PEOPLE in a previous interview in 2015 that when she was not in California, she was at her mother’s New Jersey home helping with caregiving duties.
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She broke the news to PEOPLE about her mother’s death and impact on her life.

“I watched her come through so many things, ups and downs, hospitalizations – I mean really being in the ICU for that matter – you know, going through tough times and watching her come back and bounce back and still maintain this sense of humor, and love and drive and will… I just love her so much more, I respect her so much more. She really just gives me hope for life and the world.” Latifah said.
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It’s always a sad occasion to see a mother go.
R.I.P. the great Rita Owens.