Queen Latifah's Mother Has Passed Away

Is it me, or is it always much more impactful when A-listers shed their "public personas" and become REAL? Because that's what happened with Queen Latifah yesterday, who unfortunately lost her mother Rita Owens yesterday after she passed from a long battle with heart failure.

Queen Latifah wrote a statement not as the Queen, but as Dana Owens (her actual birth name.)

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 heart broken 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.

All the thoughts, prayers, and hugs for Queen Latifah AND Dana Owens...I can't imagine losing my mom.