Rita Owens, Queen Latifah’s Mother, Passes Away

Queen Latifah‘s mother, Rita Owens, has passed away. She had been battling a decade-long heart condition.

Owens passed away on Wednesday after suffering from a longtime heart condition.

Queen, real name Dana Owens, announced her mother’s passing in an exclusive statement to People.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today,” says Latifah. “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,” Latifah shares. “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.” source

Back in, September, Queen spoke to the magazine about her mother’s battle.

“I’ve just learned how much you can love a person and just how strong my mother is,” she shared of her mother during a sit-down with PEOPLE Now. “I’ve come to respect her in ways you can’t even imagine.”