Mother Of Rapper Kanye West Dies

Former chairwoman of Chicago State University’s English Department, Donda West, and mother of rapper Kanye West, has died. She was 58.

According to the Associated Press, Donda West died in Los Angeles on Saturday; however a spokesperson requested anonymity as all family members have not yet been notified. “The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief .” No cause of death has been released.

Donda West was known in the music industry and on the entertainment scene for the strong ties she and her famous son shared. They were often seen together at parties and awards events. Kanye, 30, wrote a song reflecting on their close relationship, “Hey Mama.”

West’s mother defended her son against critics who frequently pointed out his misogynistic lyrics and other transgressions.

In addition to being an author, Donda West also served as a chief executive of West Brands, LLC, the parent company of her son’s business endeavors, and was chairwoman of the Kanye West Foundation, a nonprofit educational foundation created to decrease dropout rates and improve literacy.

Donda West worked in education for over thirty years and began working at Chicago State University in 1980 where she eventually chaired the school’s English department. She also raised her son in an environment that often ran contrary to the rapper’s musical portrayal of a rough and tumble existence.

Speaking at a Chicago radio station, Kanye West’s writing partner, Rhymefest said, “She was everyone’s mom, a spirit never dies, a spirit lasts forever.”

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