logo
GettyImages
GettyImages

Queen Latifah Recalled Caregiving for Her Mom Rita Owens Who Trusted Her with Her Life

Aby Rivas
Feb 20, 2020
10:00 A.M.

Queen Latifah always had a special relationship with her mother, Rita Owens, who passed away in 2018 after a decade-long battle with a heart condition. For years, the actress and singer was her mother’s caretaker, a role that, while challenging, only brought them closer.

Advertisement

Queen Latifah, real name Dana Owens, has been in the entertainment industry for three decades, but while she’s known for her outgoing and strong personality, the “Girls Trip” star likes to keep her personal life out of the spotlight.

Queen Latifah at the Black Girls Rock! 2018 Red Carpet on Aug. 26, 2018 in New Jersey | Photo: Getty Images

Queen Latifah at the Black Girls Rock! 2018 Red Carpet on Aug. 26, 2018 in New Jersey | Photo: Getty Images

However, back in 2015, she made an exception and following her mother’s desire, shared with the world that Rita Owens was battling a heart condition and an autoimmune disease that affected her lungs.

OPENING UP ABOUT HER CONDITION

Owens, a high school teacher, was diagnosed with heart failure in 2004 after she collapsed in school and had to be rushed to the hospital. Since then, Latifah became her mother’s number one caregiver and supporter.

Advertisement
 Queen Latifah and her mother Rita Owens attends the VH1's "Dear Mama" taping at St. Bartholomew's Church on May 2, 2016 | Photo: GettyImages

Queen Latifah and her mother Rita Owens attends the VH1's "Dear Mama" taping at St. Bartholomew's Church on May 2, 2016 | Photo: GettyImages

Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition in which the heart fails to pump the required blood for the body to function correctly.

Owens had a defibrillator implanted in her chest, which alongside the proper medications and a diet low on salt and fats, helped her to live with the condition for over a decade.

The mother of two told People in 2015 that after being diagnosed, she entered a “valley.”

Advertisement

A LIFESTYLE CHANGE

A pretty active woman most of her life, who raised two kids alone while working several jobs and still going to college, Owens found herself being unable to complete the most basic chores, like sweeping or mopping.

“I found myself becoming a recluse,” Owens said. “You have to understand your body is not processing the same way it was before. I started counting the things I can’t do instead of the things I can do. And I said, ‘Nope, this is not acceptable.’”

It was with Latifah’s encouragement and prayer that Owens found her way back to a closer version of herself.

Advertisement

And that’s why she and Latifah decided to share their story as part of a PSA for the American Heart Association’s Rise Above HF campaign.

LATIFAH’S CARETAKER ROLE

Being a hardworking woman and taking care of a sick family member can be exhausting, but Queen Latifah was up for the challenge.

Advertisement

She insisted until her mother moved to Los Angeles, where she was working back then, and alongside a team of family members, close friends and a nurse made sure to assist Owens in every little thing she needed.

“We’ve learned a new us,” Latifah told People of the change the diagnose brought into their relationship. “We’ve gotten a lot closer, and we’ve learned each other on a whole different, deeper level.”

In an interview with the AARP, Latifah also explained that with her role of caregiver came more responsibilities because she knew her mother was trusting her with her life.

Queen Latifah during the 2018 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 6, 2018 | Photo: Getty Images

Queen Latifah during the 2018 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 6, 2018 | Photo: Getty Images

She also became the “bad guy,” involuntarily, whenever she had to set boundaries, for example, with unhealthy meals that weren’t good for her mom’s health.

Advertisement

“I grew with thick skin for the public and other things, but I’ve never had thick skin for my own family, for my mom. But there are things that I had to be strong for her,” Latifah explained.

RITA’S PASSING

On March 21, 2019, Latifah shared through a statement the sad news of Rita’s passing.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news, my mother, Rita Owens, passed away today,” said Latifah. And continued:

“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 also mentioned how Rita had struggled with a heart condition for years, but her battle was finally over. And although heartbroken, Latifah said she at least knew her mom was not at peace.

Advertisement

MOVING ON

Latifah had a hard time after her mom’s passing. Still, according to several news sites, last year, she found a silver lining when she allegedly welcomed her first child with rumored partner Eboni Nichols.

Nichols has been pointed out as Queen Latifa’s partner for years. They met at “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013 and have been together since then.

Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols attend the Film Independent at LACMA special screening of "Bessie" at LACMA on May 9, 2015  | Photos: GettyImages

Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols attend the Film Independent at LACMA special screening of "Bessie" at LACMA on May 9, 2015 | Photos: GettyImages

Advertisement

However, Latifah has never addressed the rumors about her sexuality of her relationship, following with her conviction of keeping her private life out of the spotlight.

According to Radar Online, the pair welcomed a baby boy that Eboni carried at the end of 2019. And in January 2020, the same news site posted pics that showed Eboni carrying the baby boy.

Latifah will not reveal the truth about her family, but if the rumors are right, it’s good to see her moving on with life. Rita would be proud.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
info

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.

Related posts

Simone Biles in $120 Wedding Dress Blasted for Unkempt Hair – Olympic Star 'Hungry' During Childhood Responds

December 08, 2023

Jim Skrip Became Vanessa Williams' Husband after They Had Met on a Trip

November 14, 2023

Kelly Rebecca Nichols Accused Alex Jones of Being 'Cruel' during Their Marriage

November 06, 2023

Yvette Nicole Brown's Weight Changed after She Was Diagnosed with Diabetes

January 15, 2024

14-Month-Old Toddler Tragically Drowns in the Pool - 1 Year Later His Parents Hear His Heartbeat Again

February 12, 2024

5 Celebrities Who Revealed They Raise Children with Special Needs

January 26, 2024

Maria Menounos' Potential Death Sentence Made Her Think Her Husband Would Have to Raise Their Baby Alone

January 22, 2024

'My Mommy's Not Breathing': Chilling Call 4-Year-Old Girl Made to Emergency Services While Trying to Save Mom

January 18, 2024

Olivia Williams Manning Is Archie Manning's Wife Who Once Became Homecoming Queen

November 10, 2023

This Famous Actress with a 'Gorgeous' Mom Never Thought She Was Stunning Yet She Was Named World's Most Beautiful Woman

December 01, 2023

Nurse with Desire to Be a Mom Connects with Baby in NICU Immediately — She Receives Offer to Adopt the Newborn

December 19, 2023

Loretta Lynn's Daughter to Undergo 'Critical Surgery' as She Battles 'Reoccurring' Illness

February 13, 2024

I Took My Son to the Hospital after Accident and Found Out He Wasn't Really My Son – Story of the Day

January 31, 2024

These 5 Girls Are '90s Idols and One of Whom Is Married to a Famous Soccer Player – Quiz

December 20, 2023