Queen Latifah Pays Tribute to Mom Rita Owens 2 Years after Her Death

Queen Latifah shared a rare throwback picture of her mother, Rita Owens, as she paid tribute to the second anniversary of her death with a heartfelt message.

On March 21, 2018, Queen Latifah's mother, Rita Owens, passed away at 69-years-old after years of dealing with a heart condition. In honor of the two year anniversary of Rita's death she started off her tribute with the number 143, which means "I love you," she continued:

"It's been two years today last touched your face, kiss your cheek, and touched your curly hair. I miss you every single day."

In the throwback picture of Rita, she was dressed in a gold and black traditional African outfit, complete with large gold jewelry.

Gushing over the bond they share, Latifah sweetly called her "mommy…my prism…my love…my strength…my Shifu…my smile."

Before Rita's death, Latifah would often bring her to red carpet events. Their bond was evident in the way they supported each and their love for music. In her post, Latifah joked about her mother's favorite artist, saying:

"Ps: I know you heard ya baby D-Nice rocking tonight and you were tearing' up Heaven's dance floor."

Rita's health was a top priority for Latifah. According to PEOPLE, she often traveled between California and New Jersey to share in caregiving duties for her mother.

She admitted that the experience of looking after her Rita when she was sick would, at times, make her feel like a parent, but it helped her value family over everything. In response to her tribute, One fan sent Latifah some words of encouragement.

Days before she shared the tribute to her mother, Latifah was showered with messages from her fans and friends from around the world as she celebrated her 50th birthday.

Her friend, Common, wrote her a touching poem about how they first met, and the ways her success inspired him when he was an upcoming rapper.

Common revealed that they first met in New York before he was signed to a record label. He praised her for how welcoming she was to him.

Years later they met and forged a real friendship when they played alongside each in the romantic comedy, "Just Wright." He ended his birthday to Latifah calling her "one of the greatest human beings."