Listen to Jennifer Hudson's Song Celebrating Late Mom's 70th Birthday with Bonus Throwback Snap

Jennifer Hudson celebrated what would have been her mom’s 70th birthday with a throwback photo and song: “This day has so many meanings for me.”

After becoming a finalist on the third season of “American Idol,” Jennifer Hudson’s career soared and landed her a starring role in the Broadway musical-turned-film, “Dreamgirls.”

Her unforgettable and outstanding performance on-screen earned the star an Oscar and Golden Globe for Supporting Actress and gained her more recognition. While she slowly reached success, tragedy struck her family, taking the lives of her mother, brother, and nephew.

Recently, the singer paid tribute to her late mom, Darnell Donerson, on what would have been her 70th birthday. The “Sex and the City” star shared a throwback snap with Donerson while singing an old song. She captioned the post:

“Happy 70th day mommy ! This day has so many meanings for me [...]”

Hudson’s mother passed away in 2008, together with the singer’s brother and seven-year-old nephew, after being murdered by the award-winning artist’s ex-brother-in-law, William Balfour.

Hudson was devastated by the tragedy but was able to cope with her loss after her son, David Jr., was born in 2009.

According to prosecutors, Balfour, who is serving a life sentence, shot Donerson and her son, Jason, after his estranged wife, Julia Hudson, refused to make amends.

He later shot Julia’s son, Julian King, while driving in Jason’s car. Balfour then left the seven-year-old in the vehicle and was only found after three days of searching.

Hudson was devastated by the tragedy but was able to cope with her loss after her son, David Jr., was born in 2009. She said:

“I went from being an aunt, having a mom, and being a child to not having a mom, becoming a mom, and raising my own child. I tell David all the time, ‘You saved my life.’”

Hudson shares David Jr. with her ex-husband, David Otunga, with who she successfully co-parents her son. Recently, the former couple shared photos of their son enjoying Halloween festivities.

The former wrestler posted a clip carving and decorating pumpkins with his son, while Hudson posted a throwback and recent photo of David Jr. with carved pumpkins.