It’s been 4 weeks since the world learned that Rita Owens, the mother of actress Queen Latifah, passed away. The two women were extremely close and Queen once referred to her mother as the love of her life. Calling her one of the strongest women that she had ever known, Queen opened up about her mother struggling with a heart condition.

While death is never easy, Queen was heartbroken by her mother’s death but she took solace in knowing that her mother would be able to rest peacefully. At the time of her mother’s passing, Dana Owens, Queen Latifah’s real name, released a statement to PEOPLE magazine about her mother’s tragic demise:

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today, shared Latifah. 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 had struggled with a heart condition for many years and her battle is now over, Latifah revealed. 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.

While funeral arrangements had not been shared publicly, Queen Latifah took to her Instagram page to pay tribute to her mother.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgfFNXZlRYm/

Queen Latifah Shares A Beautiful Video Of Her Mother:

On March 18th, Queen Latifah celebrated her 48th birthday as she shared that she felt blessed as she had an amazing year. Despite the fact her best friend, her mother Rita Owens, was struggling with a heart condition, Ms. Rita Owens never stopped fighting. The former educator was determined to live her life. A pillar of strength, Rita Owens gathered Queen Latifah and the rest of her family members to educate them on how they could help her manage her life. After learning in 2006 that her mother was diagnosed with health failure, Queen placed heart health as a priority.

My mom is stronger than anyone I’ve ever known. Growing up, when life got hard her strength helped pull us through, the actress said in a PSA for the American Heart Association. In 2013, Owens was diagnosed with scleroderma, an incurable autoimmune disease that caused scar tissue to build up in her lungs, requiring her to be on oxygen 24/7.

Then, a day after her birthday, Queen shared a video of her beautiful flower arrangement as she thanked everyone for their prayers. Believing in the power of prayer, Queen asked her followers to pray for her mom as her health was failing.

Words can’t to the express on the gratitude that I feel for the love and well wishes from friends family and all of you out there who just got love for the Queen! But just know in the words of my brother Tupac, You are appreciated! Also please continue to send prayers up to my moms speedy recovery! GOD CAN!!! ❤️😊

https://www.instagram.com/p/BghO7rkncn0/?

Two days later, her mom passed away at the age of 69. Overcome with grief, Queen posted a video of her mother with the caption, 143, which is short for ” I Love You”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgnFl17nfeL/

Additionally, Queen thanked her cousin Tina for her help as she revealed that her cousin had been instrumental in supporting her mother. Remaining private, since her mother’s passing, Queen has not spoken publicly about it. Recently, Queen posted a video of herself with a bright smile as she appears to be keeping herself busy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhpG0xBFa9V/