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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