Let’s talk about something deeply personal. Queen Latifah, the iconic star of Star, is grieving the loss of a monumental figure in her life—her mother, Rita Owens. On Wednesday, March 21, the 48-year-old shared the heartbreaking news with the world. In a statement to People, she said, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens, passed away." Latifah went on to describe her mom as a "bright light" who was "gentle but strong, sweet but sassy." She added, "She was a woman of great faith, and truly the love of my life." This is a moment of profound loss for Latifah, and her words capture the depth of her grief.

Latifah continued, "I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. Much love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens’ daughter." Her message is a touching tribute to the woman who shaped her life. As we scroll down, let’s delve deeper into the life of Rita Owens and the impact she had on her famous daughter.

What Led to Queen Latifah’s Mom’s Passing?

In her statement, Queen Latifah explained that her mother had been battling a heart condition for years. "Her battle is now over," she said, bringing closure to a long and challenging journey. In a 2015 interview, Latifah revealed that her mom had been living with heart failure and a lung condition since 2004, when Rita unexpectedly passed out while teaching art at a New Jersey high school. This was the first indication of her heart issues.

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Latifah has always spoken proudly of her mom’s resilience. In an American Heart Association PSA, she said, "My mom is stronger than anyone I’ve ever known. Growing up, when life got hard, her strength helped pull us through. Even after her heart failure diagnosis, she remains stronger than ever." These words reflect the admiration and love Latifah had for her mother, a woman who faced adversity with grace and courage.

How Old Was Rita Owens at the Time of Her Passing?

According to NJ.com, Rita Owens was 69 years old when she passed away. Queen Latifah had been living part-time with her mom in New Jersey, sharing the responsibilities of caring for her. In a 2015 interview with People, Latifah opened up about the bond they shared during this time. "I will do whatever I can to make sure my mom is comfortable and has whatever she needs," she said. "We’ve learned a new us. We’ve gotten a lot closer and we’ve learned each other on a whole different, deeper level." This period of their lives brought them even closer together, creating memories that Latifah will undoubtedly cherish forever.

Is Queen Latifah Planning to Start a Family?

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American Heart Month may be wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean we should stop talking about the importance of heart health. Let’s keep the #RiseAboveHF conversation going throughout 2018 along with me and my mom Rita, who is living with heart failure (HF). #Spokesperson
A post shared by Queen Latifah (@queenlatifah) on Feb 21, 2018 at 12:42pm PST

While Queen Latifah isn’t a parent yet, she’s expressed her desire to start a family. "I’m always thinking about [becoming a mother]. Hopefully one day it will be my blessing. Being a mom is probably the most unselfish thing you can do," she told Closer Weekly in 2015. When asked whether she’d prefer a boy or a girl, she responded, "It doesn’t matter to me. I just really want to be there for them through adulthood and for the rest of their lives." Latifah revisited the topic in 2016, acknowledging her tendency to procrastinate. "I had some things to deal with. I had to get a lot of partying out of my system early in life for about 40 years, you know what I’m saying? I’m good now. I think I’m ready," she joked. She also considered adopting an older child, emphasizing the need for love and support for kids of all ages.

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Did Queen Latifah Have Siblings?

Rita Owens’ passing isn’t the first heartbreak Queen Latifah has faced. In 1993, she lost her brother, Lance Owens, a police officer in East Orange, NJ, in a tragic motorcycle accident at the age of 23. Despite this loss, Latifah has other siblings who have been a source of strength for her. Her brother Angelo Owens and sister Raven Owens were present at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2006, showing their unwavering support. As the Owens family navigates this difficult time, they have each other to lean on and honor the memory of their beloved matriarch.