Photo: Getty Images
We send our condolences to the Owens family, as Dana "Queen Latifah" Owens mourns the loss of her mother Rita Owens. Rita had been battling a heart condition for the past 14 years. Latifah revealed in an exclusive statement to People Magazine, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away [Wednesday]...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." Latifah continued, "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 was to be honored at our WDAS 2018 Women of Excellence Luncheon on March 31st. While the ceremony will go on, at this time, Latifah will not be in the building with us, understandably so. We will lift up our sister in spirit, honor her the best we can as planned and more importantly, continue to pray for her and her family's well-being through this journey of grief. Rest in peace, Rita Owens.
WDAS on-air announcer Patty Jackson and Director of Urban Programming at iHeartMedia Philadelphia, Derrick Corbett, took to the airwaves Thursday morning with words to Latifah and the family, as well as an update on the Women of Excellence Luncheon.