American actress, Queen Latifah, lost her mother to heart disease on Wednesday. Rita Owens, the actress’ mother, gave up the ghost after a decade of battling with the illness. The actress has since released a statement to People magazine about her loss.
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Read her statement below:
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.
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Latifah and her mother recorded an American Heart Association PSA back in 2016 for their ‘Rise Above Heart Failure‘ campaign.
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You can watch the clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOTnmFbVKKA
