Donda West, mother of Kanye, has died at the age of 58, according to a spokesperson for Kanye West. Her death was the result of complications from cosmetic surgery, according to a report printed today (November 12) in the Chicago Sun-Times. No further information regarding the cause was released. The West family has issued the following statement to VIBE: "The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief." Sources say Kanye West was in England to rehearse for his upcoming tour, and flew back to the states upon hearing the tragic news.
For 31 years, Dr. West was a teacher and chairperson at the Chicago State University's English Department. Two years ago, she relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles to take over her son's business operations, where she served as Chief Executive of West Brands LLC. She also chaired the Kanye West foundation, an organization dedicated to decreasing the dropout rate in the nation's public high schools.
In May, Dr. West published a book about her experiences as a mother entitled Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip Hop Star.
"When I wrote that song, 'Hey... Mama!' about my mom, I worked on it for months. I wanted to make it as great as she is," Kanye West wrote in the foreward to Raising Kanye. "I wanted to tell the whole world about our friendship and how it came to be. I also wanted to talk about her in the most artistic way I could. I wanted her to know how much I appreciate her for the way she raised me... because of who she is, I am able to be who I am."
In Raising Kanye, Dr. West expressed her love and pride for her son. "I am fortunate to have a son like Kanye," she wrote. "And from all indications, he feels fortunate to have a mother like me."
Dr. West was an academic, a mother, a businesswoman, valued and honored for her exemplary teaching skills. VIBE's thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved her, and all those who were inspired by her.
Additional reporting by Jon Caramanica.
Donda West smiles proudly as her son accepts the Advocate for Social Change Award at the 2007 One Hundred Black Men Gala. Photo: Hugh Edwards.
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Comments
1.
JacQuetta Clayton says:
Kanye,
Please accept this message as a token of Love. It has been my Honor to have met your Mother. You are a true Blessing and Inspiration in peoples lives. Beyond the crowd woes and awes, keep your head up and be encouraged to know that God has the Ultimate Plan for your life and man cannot take anything from you. So, ignore the noise you may hear both far and near. Know that you are a part of the Master's Plan and be the Fruit from the strong Root of which God created you.
Much Prayer and Best Wishes sent your way from all of us.
“You are the Fruit of Your Mother’s Labor”
"Her Labor was NOT in Vain"
JacQuetta Clayton and Family
Mother of Mark Clayton, Baltimore Ravens
November 18, 2007 at 8:34 am
2.
Renae, US Soldier says:
My prayers are with the West Family. I know how it is to lose a mother. Just keep your head up and let the Lord do the rest. He is there to help when you don't think you can make it. Much luv and respect
November 18, 2007 at 1:20 am
3.
T Stroll says:
It seems that right along with success comes tragedy. Enjoying maybe the best year of his career, then this. It is so sad, I can only imagine what the brother is going thru. Hopefully the faith he exhibits in song is the same faith he walks in his regular life. Keep praying for this man and his family, no matter what you think of him as a artist, he is still a man so try to sympathize with his plight because you never know when you will be in the same position. Jesus walks with you, remember this Ye'.
November 17, 2007 at 10:32 am
4.
Pascal Mahero says:
may God rest his soul in a better place. Hope to meet you at the crossroads.
November 16, 2007 at 12:17 am
5.
Mwaba says:
Our heart s(Australian fans) go out to the West family at this time... may God grant you peace...
November 15, 2007 at 9:15 pm
6.
M.Taylor says:
My heart felt sadness is evident at this. I can't even imagine what Mr. West is going through:(
http://marshalltaylor.blogspot.com
November 15, 2007 at 3:51 pm
7.
dell says:
Kayne my prayers are with you and
your family i know you loved your moms but GOD lover her BEST
November 15, 2007 at 11:40 am
8.
ms.kc says:
Kanye my heart is with you. I know how it feel to lose a parent and you was very close to them. You can just imagine seeing her in your arms. Always remember she will stay in your heart, and think about the smile on her face. As you continue your success, she love you.
November 15, 2007 at 10:51 am
9.
mrs missouri says:
My heart goes out to the West Family. Kayne keep your head and stay strong and my God Bless you.
November 15, 2007 at 10:40 am
10.
r.m. phillips says:
kanye west and family my heart goes out to you you r a product of a true queen she will be forever in your heart, so please don't let your light go dim for me as a person i need you too survive. i pray that you are able to continue on in all your endeavors along with all your family members and friends and pass on the true spirit of love and devotion that mrs. donde west lived and gived daily while she was here with you all on earth. i have nothing but love for you kanye and your family and others will provide the love and strength you will need too make it through but do know that god loves you and i do too
ms.r.m. phillips
November 14, 2007 at 1:42 pm
11.
Mariah Otto says:
Hey Kanye this is Mariah from Ft. Madison Ia. i am so sorry about your lost!
~Mariah with lots of LOVE!
November 14, 2007 at 12:54 pm
12.
Shamekia says:
Kanye West... Words cannot express the way I felt when I heard of the bad news, It was as though I knew you, however, Your a strong indiviual, I am praying for you, I love you.. Your sister in Christ...
Mekia... We love you in the Detroit!!!
November 13, 2007 at 12:03 pm
13.
Cherish says:
First, to the West family, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours. I am so sorry to hear about this great loss to you, because I read how close you and your mother were. I don't know how that feels, and I'm not going to pretend to know, because my mom is still living, but I just can't imagine life without her. But you stay strong, because you have family, friends and a ton of fans that need you!! Go to your pastor and look for spiritual guidance at this time.
Next, for that fool name Jim on the blog, Don't let me catch you outside!! That was an ascinine thing to say to someone during their time of grief!! Like someone said, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it. Someone should block him from giving comments to anyone!!!
November 13, 2007 at 11:13 am
14.
Rusty says:
Please pass on my condolences to the West family at this time of grief. I just want you to know Kanye that my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. If you believe in God and I am sure that you do, you can believe his words at John 5:28, 29 about the resurrection. You will be able to reunite with your mom if you do as John 17:3 states regarding taking in knowledge. There is going to be a time when sickness, death, sorrow and paid will be a thing of the past according to Revelation 21:1-5. Please take the time to look up the scriptures in your spare time and contact me at anytime to further this discussion at the above email address. May God Continue to be With You Always. H. Stanford, Delaware
November 13, 2007 at 11:06 am
15.
Cynthia Mims says:
I just wanted to say a few words for Kanye and his family in this time of need. Please keep your head to the sky, because GOD is the only person who can help you with your lost. God bless you and ill keep you in my prayers
November 13, 2007 at 10:58 am
16.
bosqo says:
My Prayers Go Out To Mr West And His Family. May Dr West Rest In Peace.
Bless
November 13, 2007 at 2:32 am
17.
Delchaune Lovell says:
R.I.P Ms. West. My deepest sorrows goes out to the West family. Keep ya head up Kanye. You will always have my support 100%. LOVE YOU
November 13, 2007 at 1:17 am
18.
Lahna Bronston & Attee Williams says:
Kanye we are praying for you and your family in your time of sorrow. Stay Strong...
November 13, 2007 at 12:05 am
19.
Zenithia "Nikki" Colbert says:
I would like to extend my condolences to Kanye West & the West Family, in the tragic passing of Dr. Donda West. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Although, I can not truly understand your pain, because I still have my mom here with me today, I can extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. No words can ease your pain right now, but know that God is always with you.
Ecclesiastes 2,3
November 12, 2007 at 11:06 pm
20.
Tuni says:
I might be sticking my foot in my mouth, but there is a comment on the post that I find extremely idiotic. Kanye is a great person and people should think before they speak. You must use common sense on such things and I pray that nothing ever happen to you tragic as this. I'm praying for you. The focus should not be on how much education or who he is. It didn't matter if she was a crack head. She passed on and they are in mourning. So before you post things, think it through thoroughly. God bless!
November 12, 2007 at 5:01 pm
21.
Tuni says:
Upon readindg the tragic news, I began prying for the family. I can honestly say that my deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family, especially Kanye by being an only child. May God bless and keep you during this time of grief. We know that you loved her, but we all know that God loves her most. So, I'm sure it brings a smile to your face knowing that God is in control of it all. Just keep praying and God bless!!!
November 12, 2007 at 4:55 pm
22.
Lovemore Dandira says:
Kanye, my deepest condolences. I know this is an unbearable period in your life. You couldn't have asked for a better mom, we all know the extend of the bond that existed between the 2 of you. Stay STRONG and keep up the works, your mother was and will always be proud of your work.
November 12, 2007 at 3:48 pm
23.
Jasmine Chery says:
I want to send my love and prayers to Kanye and his family. Life is so difficult sometimes and unfair. Just remember, "that what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger". We are all praying for you and your mom was a classy lady.
November 12, 2007 at 3:32 pm
24.
Dominic McGuire says:
Keeping you in my prayers bro. keep yo head up, one.
November 12, 2007 at 3:22 pm
25.
Tawana Salley says:
I didn't know Kanye west mother and I only know Kanye West through our music, regardless of who he is mentioned to be, he is most of all a human being. I give my deepest condolences to the West family. I also pray for strength for the West family to get through this time of grief.
November 12, 2007 at 1:24 pm
26.
Shandalyn Nobles says:
I would like to give my deepest sympathy to Kanye and the West family. God will see you through this tragic time in your life. GOD BLESS!
November 12, 2007 at 12:47 pm
27.
paola says:
Kanye God Bless you and your family !!! our prayers goes out for u and your family ...... We are wit you .
November 12, 2007 at 11:13 am
28.
brina says:
Kanye I want you know our prayers goes out to you and your entire family. I can't imagine to losing a mother. Keep your head up and know that she's in a better place where's there's more suffering or pain.
We love you and stay positive.
November 12, 2007 at 7:47 am
29.
DeMoyne says:
May God Bless you and your family, Kanye, in this time of sorrow
November 12, 2007 at 1:44 am
30.
Cameron says:
Much love to Kanye and his family right now. I definitely feel for them and will remember to keep them in my prayers. I can't imagine what 'Ye is going through, but I do understand the influence and impact that his mother had on him and his career. All the Mr. West fans (like myself) should definitely remember Dr. West as one of the most important foundations in Kanye's life and the reason why he does what he does. RIP to Ms. West. Now she can tell Dilla the influence he had on 'Ye as well.
PS: Jim, get some respect and a little class. This is someone's mom we're talking about. Karma is a b**ch, believe it.
November 12, 2007 at 1:07 am
31.
SASHA` BROWN-CARTER says:
FIRST I WOULD LIKE 2 SAY THAT MY PRAYERS GO OUT 2 THE WEST FAMILY. I HOPE THAT IN THIS TIME OF NEED THAT MR. KAYNE WEST AND FAMILY REMEMBERS THAT EVEN THOUGH THE PAINS HURTS 2DAY 1DAY YOU WILL MET AGAIN, UNTIL THEN DON'T 4GET THE GOOD MEMORIES THAT MS. DONDA HAS LEFT. GOD BLESS
November 12, 2007 at 12:20 am
32.
Rissa says:
I first want to send my deepest sympathy out to Kanye and his family and friends. I just got his new CD and it is on point!!!! Kanye I will continue to keep you and yours in my prayers and know that your mother is smiling down on you from a better place....
To the gentlemen by the name of Jim... Right now at a time of lost your comment isn't needed. It's people like you that give good people a bad name. I'm sure your mother taught you that if you don't have a anything nice to say don't say anything at all....
November 11, 2007 at 10:03 pm
33.
kdogg says:
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed..." -Proverbs 31:26-28. God bless the West family. As a fan, its a blessing to see a rapper with a strong, educated mother pushing her son to strive, and make it on the world stage. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
November 11, 2007 at 6:47 pm
34.
Tina Wyatt says:
God bless Kanye and his family. Know that the Lord is with you and yours during this time of sadness.
November 11, 2007 at 6:29 pm
35.
veda dorsey says:
my deepest sympathy to you kanye and your family stay strong and just pray.
November 11, 2007 at 6:25 pm
36.
MsNeoSoulDiva says:
Chi-city's prayers are with Kanye and the entire West family. She was a great woman and affected many of the people she came in contact with. She was and is admired for her close relationship with her son. Kanye, Chi-city gon hold you down. Peace & Blessings.
MsNeoSoulDiva
...and to the asshole named Jim who posted the first comment. Get a f'n clue. Kanye is one of the greatest MCs to ever roc a mic. Grow up and get a life...
November 11, 2007 at 6:21 pm
37.
Jim says:
Please. She was an English professor?
Too bad she didn't have more of an influence on her son's choice of lyrics!
November 11, 2007 at 5:50 pm