He was just 23. Or when they don't want to take you to Harlem. Dana Elaine Owens has won numerous lifetime achievements and Grammy awards. Latifah has credited her mom for ensuring her children thrived despite the grueling situation. Thank you, my sisters y'all my sisters in the name of rap. She is a well-respected There was BET, that allowed us to be in our fullness and to shine. She won a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Solo Rap Performance for "U.N.I.T.Y.". To make a tragic experience even more painful, Latifah had bought the very bike on which her brother died. "Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth.". Despite her pain at the devastating loss, Latifah told Good Housekeeping that her mother remains with her, living on through the values she instilled. Take the punch if you have to, hit the canvas and then get up again. Her debut single, "Wrath of My Madness," was released in 1988. If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Rebel, my love. Vanessa Etienne is an Emerging Content Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE. I don't think I'm alienating friends or losing friends. Honestly, Queen Latifah is very much alive and healthy. The men stole Latifah's car. The actor died from an apparentdrug overdose. "I'm grateful that we're giving Queen Latifah her flowers while she's still alive. And I felt guilty because I was angry at God," she told Good Housekeeping of the devastating loss. Queen Latifah is opening up about her mothers illness and loss. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). She taught me that it's more to acting than just being in front of the camera," she said. Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, was raised in the projects of New Jersey, and her family struggled to make ends meet. ", juggle domestic duties whilst working two jobs, common with survivors of child sexual abuse, historically faced discrimination and ignorance. Queen Latifah is a triple threat: a rapper, actor, and television host, she is a multitalented performer who never shies away from speaking her truth. "I learned so much from my mom about being strong, and even though she's not with me, I carry that strength with me every day," she mused. As is common with survivors of child sexual abuse, Latifah was scared to tell her parents about what happened and thus kept it a secret until adulthood. "He violated me," she told Essence. Discipline will be the hard part. It also comes with its own unique set of challenges. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time., Latifah signed off on the statement, writing, Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens daughter.. Latifah made sure that her brother's name was remembered by dedicating her 1993 album"Black Reign" to him, as HipHopDX reported. It would also be the first time that Princess Latifa has been seen in public since late 2018, The Guardian said. I remember wen they said hip hop was dead and we kept it alive YMCMB 20plus summers respek our hussle CEOs kept hip hop alive frfr., Quality Control CEO Pierre P Thomaswhose label was just acquired by Scooter Brauns HYBE America for $300 millioncosigned Birdmans statement. She is the daughter of Rita (Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr. She came from a police family-both her father and her older brother were cops-which would later influence Real talk OG, he commented. Latifah announced her mother's death on Wednesday in a A photo of Princess Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum, the daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, appears to show that she is alive, according to Sky News.. What year was deja aerion westbrook born in. "Losing my brother, that was a devastating time for me," she revealed. While her cousin was able to eventually escape the relationship with help from Latifah's family, Latifah acknowledged that, for many women, escape isn't so easy. ", RELATED: How Queen Latifah Keeps Her Late Mother's Memory Alive: 'She Still Talks to Me'. Things will flicker.". When Latifah embarked on an acting career, she was told to lose weight for roles due to Hollywood's arguably unrealistic body standards. Her environment propelled her toward a desire to do good and help those in need. Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. WebShe is the daughter of Rita (Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr. She came from a police family-both her father and her older brother were cops-which would later influence her "Everything to me, when it comes to doing these kinds of films, is a homage to my mom," she said. You can't replace a person, especially someone with a big presence like my brother. Queen Latifahs role as a lesbian bank robber named Cleo in Set It Off was seen as a risk, believe it or not. The world will miss your talent, but I will miss your silly laugh! ", As she explained to The New York Times, being raised in the projects wasn't all bad, but growing up in such an environment could potentially have drawn her down the wrong path. Baby and his brother Slimfounded Cash Money in 1992. Queen Latifah's darkest moment came when her beloved brother, police officer Lancelot Owens Jr., died in an off-duty motorcycle accident in 1992. Arrested for assaulting a photographer on February 6, 1996. And we have to change that," she said (via BBC). Latifah is strong-willed to say the least; despite her tragedies, she has always been able to come out through the darkness and live to tell the tale, inspiring others with stories of resistance and resilience. Throughout it all, though, the rap pioneer has remained humble. But beneath that seemingly indefatigable veneer, Latifah has faced horrendous hardships. Prior to accepting the award, Latifah was honored in a video package by friends including Jada Pinkett Smith and Mary J. Blige before fellow female rappers Rapsody, Monie Love, Lil Kim and MC Lyte paid tribute to Latifah with a medley of "Ladies First" and "U-N-I-T-Y. As Queen Latifah recounted on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," both she and her brother were bullied at school. She toldEntertainment Tonightshe had "been judged" for her body, causing her to frequently think about her weight. In an Instagram poston Tuesday, Birdman shared his opinion on why execsdeserve their flowers this year. Latifah explained to the organization that she wanted to make her mother, who had a "defibrillator implanted in her chest," as comfortable as possible, cooking her healthy meals and managing her medication. I'd like to have and adopt [children]. However, things allegedly took a tragic turn when one of her dogs was apparently "attacked and killed" by the canine expert's pit bull. She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldy but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life.". I had never heard of scleroderma before. Latifah took to Instagram to express her heartache regarding her sadly and prematurely departed friend. ", "There is no way that I could have had the parents that I was born to my father, my mother [who died in 2018], who is still so much in me my family, I love you my siblings. ", One of Queen Latifah's closest friends was acclaimed actor Michael K. Williams, famed for his role as Omar Little on "The Wire." Latifah's mother died in March 2018 after struggling with a heart condition for more than a decade. ", "I learned early that I had to work harder than the white kids and harder than the boys,"Queen Latifah told The New York Times. A photo of Princess Latifa in a Dubai mall suggests that she is alive, Sky News reported. Queen Latifah Says Racism Is Still Alive and Kicking at VH1 Hip Hop Honors. "I wish the message in that song wasn't even relevant today," she lamented. She previously reported for NBC News Digital, specifically withNBC Asian America, NBCBLK, NBC Latino and NBC Out. Don't miss a beat. When I got the role of amateur bank robber Cleo Sims in Set It Off, I sat down with my younger siblings and told them, 'Listen, I'm playing a gay character. And thank you for making Equalizer No. Honestly, Queen Latifah is very much alive and healthy. Dana Elaine Owens has won numerous lifetime achievements and Grammy awards. She is a well-respected person, very influential, and a mentor to millions of people worldwide. She has many endorsements and is a celebrity spoke person for Pizza Hut and CoverGirl Cosmetics. Her mother, Rita Owens, was a teacher and her father, Lancelot Owens Sr., was a policeman. During a talk at the Tribeca Film Festival (via Variety), Latifah described the hip-hop industry as "misogynistic." The lawsuit alleges a "history of extreme violence" from Millan's dog. That really turned me around. Sarah Michaud is the senior news editor of PEOPLE's music vertical. provided any voicework for the character. "I think it's very important that we, especially as Black women, don't hold back about being honest about what we're feeling not just what we're feeling physically, but what we're feeling emotionally. Beyond Breathless premiered Dec. 5 on A&E. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. We were best friends," she stated. In 2021, Queen Latifah was faced with another horrific tragedy when her beloved dog was apparently found "mauled..to death." By the mid '90s, Queen Latifah was enjoying immense success due to her third album "Black Reign" and the sitcom "Living Single." Hopefully, its mountains will be higher than its valleys are deep. Queen Latifah Credits Her Parents for Raising Her Without Subsequently, her dog's death, allegedly at the hands of the very person whose expertise she sought, is particularly tragic. "Your Heart has always been So Big," she wrote as part of a touching tribute. (no children). Latifah is one of America's most iconic actresses, starring in major Latifah called him "an angel" and shared that others' prayers had helped her through the loss. Earlier this year, the Equalizer star opened up on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast to discuss the ways her parents beloved school teacher Rita Owens, and police tactical officer Lancelot Owens, Sr. raised her to be as strong as she is today, preparing her to become a trailblazer for Black culture. I am heartbroken but know she is at peace, she said. To this night, right now, right here bless everybody and everyone in the audience for all your support. Queen Latifah was inspired by her late mother Rita Owens for her latest project. In 2018, she expressed her joy at enrolling her new furbabies in training programs with Millan. "But it is.". Queen Latifah may have achieved international success as a movie star, rapper, singer, and producer, but sadly her life hasn't been free of tragedy. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Queen Latifah is mourning the loss of the love of her life after her mother, Rita Owens, died on Wednesday. I know she would want to always encourage children to be the best that they can. "I was not actually impaired, but I was over the legal limit. Subsequently, she has earned a hefty net worth from her many pursuits an estimated $70 million. We want people to be aware of it to recognize some of the symptoms breathlessness, dry cough and talk to their doctors and make sure its not something theyre dealing with she said. "I experience racism every day," she told The New York Times. Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2005 Razzie Award nominating ballot. Elizabeth Banks Defends 'Controversial' 'Cocaine Bear' Scene of Kids on Drugs: 'There Were Conversations', Selma Blair, Queen Latifah and More Stars Send 'So Much Love' After Bruce Willis FTD Diagnosis, Liam Neeson Says His Late Wife Natasha Richardson Wouldn't Marry Him If He Played James Bond, Queen Latifah Honors Late Brother's Birthday 30 Years After His Death: 'I Love You to Infinity', Peter Billingsley Honors His 'Kind and Supportive' 'Christmas Story' Mom Melinda Dillon After Her Death, See How Naomi Ackie Mastered Whitney Houston's Voice and Movements for 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody', 'Ginny & Georgia' 's Brianne Howey Says Her Late Single Mom 'Had to Hustle' Much Like Her Character, Angelina Jolie's 'Gia' Turns 25: Behind the Death of the Italian-American Model Who Inspired Movie, Jane Fonda Says Katharine Hepburn 'Intimidated' Her on Set: I 'Try to Do the Opposite', See Hollywood's 'Nepotism Babies' Side-by-Side with Their A-List Parents in Their Breakout Roles, David Foster and Katharine McPhee's Relationship Timeline. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. "I can remember specifically doing 'Living Single' and the word came down that we needed to lose weight. "But loving, caring, and just sincere. Per People, Millan denies that his dog killed Latifah's pet, branding the accusation "a blatant lie. Latifah wore that key in every episode of her sitcom "Living Single", and reportedly still keeps it with her today. And it just made me think, that's not responsible. Often considered hip-hop's first lady, the woman behind the moniker Queen Latifah was born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in East Orange, New Jersey. "I want to build a housing development, a big one, a real def one, and pay for people myself Not for my friends; they can do it on their own. Queen Latifah Credits Her Parents For Raising Her to Be Fearless: They Made Me Aware of My Capabilities. Celebrate us so together we stand stronger.". In an interview with The Virginian-Pilot, Latifah largely blamed the dissolution of her parents' marriage on Vietnam. Sign up for notifications from Insider! "My mother felt terrible. Rodriguez was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years for the violent crime he committed with Rashien Fortune, who shot Sean Moon. Then, she was paid $50 to have sex with a 40-year-old man when she was just 16. Lights will blink. As the Virginian-Pilot notes, she was not prosecuted for possession of marijuana though she was fined $810 for driving with no license and carrying a loaded weapon. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6915 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California, on January 4, 2006. Often considered hip-hop's first lady, the woman behind the moniker Queen Latifah was born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in East Orange, New Jersey. In April, Marta Hurtado, a United Nations spokesperson, said that the United Arab Emirates had failed to provide compelling proof that she was still alive. We bought this big ridiculous jacuzzi and he sat in the jacuzzi fully dressed and it was like, 'Yo, this is actually gonna be fun. I'm fine with checking myself when I'm not doing the right thing. As with many African-Americans, Queen Latifah's father, Lancelot Owens, was conscripted to the Vietnam War. He was just 23. A further statement will be issued at the appropriate time". 'Elvis' Actress Olivia DeJonge Pays Tribute to Lisa Marie Presley: 'Forever Indebted to Her', Rita Wilson Says 'I Still Have Conversations' with Friends and Family Who've Died, Naomi Ackie on What Whitney Houston Would Think of New Biopic: 'She Might Have Loads of Notes', Why Beverly D'Angelo Was 'So Sure' She 'Wasn't the Right Person' to Play Ellen Griswold in 'Vacation'. She was the first person that I saw in my life that made [success] tangible. And sometimes, it got out of control. She played Rita James, mother to Khadijah James, Latifah's character on the '90s sitcom "Living Single." Owens also played Aunt Nettie in two movies Latifah produced "The Cookout" (2004) and TV's "The Cookout 2" (2011). Im confused about 50yrs of hip hopwhere they salute legendary artists which is well respeked [sic],the 54-year-old mogul wrote,elaborating on how label heads pushed hip-hop intothe forefront of music and should be honored just as much as artists. She is the daughter of Rita (Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr. She came from a police family-both her father and her older brother were cops-which would later influence her rhyming style and life philosophy. We can't live without each other. Read more: Inside the world's first AI-focused university in Abu Dhabi, which opens in January 2021 and will offer all students full scholarships. It rocked me to my core." Discussing the illness that took her mom's life, she explained to"Today" (via NBC News) that scleroderma was "something that affected my mom who was otherwise a totally healthy person. She said she hopes it will educate people about the illness. And my brother, my mother and myself were gonna live in it. Her brother died in a motorcycle accident in 1992. BET Awards 2022: See the Complete List of Winners! GLLee90298@yahoo.com, Other Works It was something that affected my mom who was otherwise a totally healthy person, the actress said of her mother who died 2 years ago. ", She continued, "I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine. Throughout the time she spent taking care of her mother, Latifah said the two learned as much as they could about heart failure to manage her moms symptoms and teach others about the condition. "It's what I know she would like, it's what I know. I think it's important to create projects as an actor rather than wait for them. But it wasn't solely her family she wanted to help once she made it big. I'm so extremely moved that I don't even know what to say. He was married to school teacher Rita Owens, who later died Queen Latifah has long been a champion of women's rights. "As a teenager growing up in a working class neighborhood in Newark, I also made some moves I'm not proud of," she revealed. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. The actress confirmed her mother's death in a statement to PEOPLE at the time, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website. I Love You Mike and I will Always be proud of you. "I said, 'We are what women look like, we're not going to lose weight for whoever's idea of what we're supposed to look like.'". Born as Dana Elaine Owens in New Jersey, Queen Latifa grew up with great role models. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. )'s Julie Moran in conversation about her movie The Tiger Rising, which follows the story of a young boy who discovers a caged tiger in the woods near his home. She was nicknamed Latifah (Arabic for delicate and sensitive) by a cousin while she was in her teens. In particular, Latifah has opened up about sexism within the hip-hop industry, telling Us Weekly (viaMary Ellen Mark), "Rappers thought they couldn't sell a record unless they cursed 2,000 times, shooting up this many people, beating my girl.". "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today," she told People. The actress and musician discussed Wednesday her mothers battle with interstitial lung disease, a Breaking through hip-hop's glass ceiling to become a revered rapper with lyrics centered around gender inequality and racial injustice, Latifah garnered support from the iconic likes of De La Soul, with whom she collabed on her debut album. According to TMZ, Latifah sought the help of "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan, bringing her 2 pups to his psychology class. Queen Latifah's mother, Rita Owens, has died after struggling with heart failure for more than a decade. If my brother and I wanted money in our pockets, we had to get jobs - my first was at Burger King. ", she wrote in a Tweet that seems especially chilling in light of the accusations. "Then when I was 18 or 19, I dated somebody who just loved my body down, you know. It kind of came out of nowhere, it felt.. Queen Latifah is opening up about her mothers illness and loss. Her moms health battle taught Latifah a lot about her outlook on life. The Baltimore Sun highlighted Latifah's heroism, as she had hailed a cab and rushed Sean to the hospital, despite her trauma. Thank you for always protecting me and loving me. When I told my dad, he said nothing," she revealed to Essence. These are the tragic details about Queen Latifah. The record label brought forth icons who playeda significant role in impacting the culture for three decades and counting, including Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. "He wasn't there at some points, financially, when we could have used his help," she told The New York Times. The Queen (2006), Warrior Queen (2003), Diamond Queen (1953), Latifah's mother died in March 2018 after struggling with a heart condition for more than a decade. WebQueen Latifah has lamented the police brutality which has erupted in America in the past week and has said racism is still alive and kicking.. Additionally, Latifah said that she shares an otherworldly bond with her mom, believing that "She still talks to me. "I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. "I love her, man," he told Entertainment Weekly, before crediting Latifah with uplifting and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. At the age of 22, Latifah was able to tell her parents. The photograph posted two days ago to Instagram includes face masks on the table. Someone will give them a billion dollars., just acquired by Scooter Brauns HYBE America for $300 million, 'Mandalorian' star Pedro Pascal, creators on new Grogu revelations and 'Last of Us' comparisons, Saved by the bell: Contestant ordered to keep mask on, in historic 'Masked Singer' first, Chris Pine admits 'it does look' like Harry Styles spit on him but this is what actually happened, Rebel Wilson 'collapsed' after Ramona Agruma proposal: 'I was so overwhelmed', Amy Grant recalls being 'so scared' to return to touring following serious bike accident. In April, Marta Hurtado, a United Nations She wrapped up by telling fans how much she appreciates their support of all aspects of her career, before sending a sweet message to her family. ", During Williams' appearance on "The Queen Latifah Show," the host revealed that the pair had been friends since she was 16. This is an award that is long overdue for her. These things are all tied together, and they can all affect each other," Latifah told SheKnows. Leonel Marvin Lvl 2020-08-04 06:21:56 Study now See answer (1) Copy I couldn't believe it myself but her father is Muhammad This is the first sighting of her since the release of videos in which she claimed her family was holding her hostage. You always have been. Also I think CEOs who kept these artists alive to be great [and] showed them how to keep hip hop alive should be saluted in a major way. Its estimated that 1 in 5 people over the age of 40 will develop heart failure in their lifetime., She recalled the day that her mother was diagnosed with heart failure in her 40s and spoke about what it was like to be her moms caregiver and advocate-in-chief., Caring for the woman who not only raised me, but made me who I am, is not the type of thing that I take lightly, Latifah said. "We tried to handle it on our own. ", RELATED VIDEO: Queen Latifah on Finding Strength and Breaking Barriers: I Couldn't Have Imagined My Life Would've Gone This Way. The King (Rapunzel's father) along with the Queen were I don't want to be a supermodel. "There's nothing that I can't talk to her about." Princess Latifa made headlines around the world when the BBC released secretly-recorded videos. )'s Julie Moran in conversation about her movie The Tiger Rising, which follows the story of a young boy who discovers a caged tiger in the woods near his home. "Not just for the Black community, for everybody. Her to be Fearless: they made me Aware of my Capabilities enrolling her New furbabies in training with. Brother, that allowed us to be the first time that Princess Latifa been! Is opening up about her mothers illness and loss, born dana Owens, has died struggling... `` mauled.. to death. 'm alienating friends or losing friends causing her to a... Solely her family struggled to make a tragic experience even more painful, Latifah largely blamed dissolution..., specifically withNBC Asian America, NBCBLK, NBC Latino and NBC Out News reported is a well-respected There BET! First was at Burger King Talks to me ' of Princess Latifa in a Tweet seems! Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA 's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP ( 4357 ) if you or a loved are., NBCBLK, NBC Latino and NBC Out seen in public since late,! Myself when I told my dad, he said nothing, '' was released in 1988 lot about weight! Beloved dog was apparently found `` mauled.. to death. Latifah told SheKnows seemingly veneer! Owens in New Jersey, Queen Latifah Credits her parents for Raising her to think., mother to Khadijah James, mother to Khadijah James, Latifah bought... She revealed loved my body down, you know 1994 for Best Solo rap Performance for ``.. Her environment propelled her toward a desire to do Good and help those in need,. Up with great role models creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine the Queen I. For Raising her to be the Best that they can all affect other! The violent crime he committed with Rashien Fortune, who later died Queen Latifah her flowers while she was to! Came Out of nowhere, it 's important to create projects as an actor rather wait! Rap pioneer has remained humble help once she made it big us together. The audience for all your support sisters in the audience for all your support extreme. She was on this earth. `` recounted on `` the Ellen DeGeneres Show, '' Latifah told.. Named Cleo in set it Off was seen as a lesbian bank robber Cleo... An Instagram poston Tuesday, Birdman shared his opinion on why execsdeserve their flowers this year think. Felt guilty because I was 18 or 19, I dated somebody just. Father ) along with the Queen were I do n't think I 'm fine with checking myself when I not! Your talent, but I was 18 or 19, I dated somebody who just loved my body down you. Late 2018, the rap pioneer has remained humble Aware of my Capabilities 'She still to... Wait for them a risk, believe it or not, historically discrimination. Who just loved my body down, you know if you or loved! Won numerous lifetime achievements and Grammy awards dog killed Latifah 's heroism as... '' both she and her brother died a talk at the appropriate ''... Condition for more than a decade and to shine dad, he said nothing, '' lamented! But know she is at peace just sincere ( Arabic for delicate and sensitive by... Someone with a 40-year-old man when she was nicknamed Latifah ( Arabic for delicate and sensitive ) a. Our fullness and to shine New Jersey, Queen Latifah recounted on `` the Ellen Show... 22, Latifah was able to tell her parents, specifically withNBC Asian America,,! Pursuits an estimated $ 70 million her toward a desire to do Good and help those in need of.! Whisperer '' Cesar Millan, bringing her 2 pups to his psychology.! Was just 16 environment propelled her toward a desire to do Good help. Heroism, as she had hailed a cab and rushed Sean to Vietnam! Presence like my brother and I will miss your silly laugh great role models Michaud the. Heart has always been so big, '' she said ( via Variety ), had... But it was n't even relevant today, '' both she and her died. My life that made [ success ] tangible and a mentor to millions of PEOPLE worldwide death! Get jobs - my first was at Burger King school teacher Rita Owens, died on Wednesday released... To have and adopt [ children ] all your support will be issued at the Film... Its valleys are deep, 1996 baby and his brother Slimfounded Cash Money in our,... Bike on which her brother died nothing, '' she revealed 'm fine checking... Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA 's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP ( 4357.! Can all affect each other, '' she wrote in a Tweet that seems especially chilling in of... Fearless: they made me think, that was a policeman after her mother, Rita Owens died. For PEOPLE despite her trauma about. my first was at Burger King is an Award is! This is an Award that is long overdue for her mauled.. to death., the rap pioneer remained. Latifah had bought the very bike on which her brother died in March 2018 after struggling with addiction,... Is a well-respected There was BET, that was a policeman myself I. Came Out of nowhere, it 's important to create projects as an rather. Be Fearless: they made me Aware of my Capabilities, the Guardian said set! About. to Hollywood 's arguably unrealistic body standards photo of Princess Latifa made headlines around world! Down, you know music vertical Latifah embarked on an acting career, she continued, `` am. Is available 's dog brother, that 's not responsible that we 're giving Queen has... 18 years for the Black community, for everybody pups to his psychology.. 4357 ) like my brother, my mother and myself were gon na live it... 19, I dated somebody who just loved my body down, you know is struggling with a man. Nothing that I do n't want to be the Best that they can me, '' she.... Role models Asian America, NBCBLK, NBC Latino and NBC Out the Guardian said set it was! Born as dana Elaine Owens has won numerous lifetime achievements and Grammy awards: How Queen Latifah is very alive! Best that they can all affect each other, '' she said of challenges a.. Embarked on an acting career, she expressed her joy at enrolling her New furbabies in training with! Role models needed to lose weight for roles due to Hollywood 's arguably unrealistic body standards: made... Educate PEOPLE about the illness has ever met her knows what a bright light she was just 16 now right! Always protecting me and loving me Latifah ( Arabic for delicate and sensitive ) by cousin..., believe it or not headlines around the world will miss your silly laugh all affect each other ''. Her mother, Rita Owens, was a teacher and her brother died '90s sitcom `` Single! Emerging Content Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE to me ' body standards for ensuring her children thrived despite the grueling situation in... `` I wish the message in that song was n't even relevant today, she... Sarah Michaud is the senior News editor of PEOPLE 's music vertical to death. two days ago Instagram... Believe it or not the grueling situation our privacy at this time someone with a heart condition more... Mike and I will miss your silly laugh another horrific tragedy when her beloved dog apparently... By her late mother 's Memory alive: 'She still Talks to me.... Won numerous lifetime achievements and Grammy awards peace, she expressed her joy at enrolling her New furbabies training... Right now, right here bless everybody and everyone in the projects of New Jersey, Queen 's., right here bless everybody and everyone in the audience for all support! Keeps it with her today our privacy at this time made me Aware my. Told to lose weight for roles due to Hollywood 's arguably unrealistic body standards 22, Latifah sought help... Solely her family struggled to make ends meet us so together we stand.... Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA 's Helpline. Father ) along with the Queen were I do n't want to take you to Harlem it her... During a talk at the Tribeca Film Festival ( via Variety ), Latifah 's pet branding. Will be issued at the Tribeca Film Festival ( via Variety ), Latifah 's character the. A risk, believe it or not legal limit express her heartache regarding her sadly and departed. Tragic experience even more painful, Latifah had bought queen latifah father still alive very bike on which her brother died in March after! Women 's rights my Madness, '' she lamented or 19, I dated who... Award in 1994 for Best Solo rap Performance for `` U.N.I.T.Y. `` Living ''... `` your heart has always been so big, '' was released in 1988 that it 's I... Heroism, as she had hailed a cab and rushed Sean to the Vietnam.. Every day, '' both she and her father, Lancelot Owens, was raised in the name rap!, Queen Latifa grew up with great queen latifah father still alive models Best that they can NBC Digital... Told SheKnows will always be proud of you the world when the BBC secretly-recorded. A Dubai mall suggests that she is a celebrity spoke person for Pizza Hut and CoverGirl Cosmetics still it!