In a statement yesterday, Queen Latifah write's, "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."
"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."
Queen Latifah opened up about her mother's heart failure diagnosis in an American Heart Association Mother's Day message back in 2016.
"I can't imagine my life without my mom," she expressed. "My mom is the strongest person I know, and she's committed to rising about heart failure."
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