American actress and singer Dana Elaine Owens (known by her stage name Queen Latifa) has yesterday lost her mother Rita Owens, to a heart condition she had been struggling with for more than a decade.
In a statement to PEOPLE yesterday, she wrote; “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, 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 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.”
The actress had opened up to PEOPLE last year about her mother’s disease saying, “I’ve just learned how much you can love a person and just how strong my mother is. I’ve come to respect her in ways you can’t even imagine.”
“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.”
