Queen Latifah‘s mother has passed away after a long battle with a heart condition.
Latifah shared that her mother, Rita Owens, died in an emotional statement.
“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.”