R.I.P.

We had been hesitant to report on this until it had been officially confirmed. And now it has.

Sadly, Kanye West's mother, Donda West, passed away Saturday in Los Angeles, the rapper's publicist said late Sunday.

We had heard a rumor that Donda died while having plastic surgery, but that is just a rumor at this point.

West's publicist did not reveal a cause of death.

Donda West recently released a book about her son called Raising Kanye: Life Lessons From The Mother Of A Hip-Hop Superstar.

A former English professor, Donda was very close to Kanye, most recently working as his manager and for his companies.

So sad.

Our condolences to Kanye and the West family.

[Image via WENN.]

Posted: Nov 11, 2007 at 6:38 pm / Email this »

See All 335 Comments

335 comments to “R.I.P.”

More comments: [1] 2 3 4 »

me says – reply to this

1

my heart goes out to kanye and his family
Veronique says – reply to this

2

that is very sad… she looked young !!
Gregrox says – reply to this

3

first
jodi says – reply to this

4

thoughts are with you kanye!
danielle says – reply to this

5

aw rip donda =(
linda says – reply to this

6

rip

howd she die?
Whoreanus says – reply to this

7

Terrible, senseless loss. Poor Kanye.
Meg says – reply to this

8

was she sick?
morgz says – reply to this

9

first!!!!!! sadddd
jo says – reply to this

10

my thoughts and prayers are with him and their family.
martin says – reply to this

11

my sympathy
cb says – reply to this

12

Deepest sympathies to Kanye and his family.
morgz says – reply to this

13

first! sadd]d
morgz says – reply to this

14

first! sadd]d
Katy says – reply to this

15

:(
Heather says – reply to this

16

It is sad news…my prayers are with him and his family…
grapesoda says – reply to this

17

oh gosh that is so sad Kanye loved his mom so much he wrote such an amazing song about her too. my heart goes out to him and his family.
c says – reply to this

18

very sorry to hear this.
michlle says – reply to this

19

RIP DONDA WEST
kim says – reply to this

20

My prayers thoughts are with you an your family. Luv
Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. ~Albert Einstein
Parasite Hilton says – reply to this

21

She's ugly! No wonder she wanted a plastic surgery!! Mayme Kanye will be more down to earth for a while!
matt says – reply to this

22

sending kanye love and good vibes
RIP Mrs. West says – reply to this

23

Oh My! Poor West family!
With success comes failure.

Our hearts are with you.
perezsuckzazz says – reply to this

24

hesitant to report? LOL now that's a first
jhklfds says – reply to this

25

Thats really sad, I saw them on oprah and he discussed how much he loved and respected his mother. She seemed like the world to him.
perezsuckzazz says – reply to this

26

hesitant to report? LOL now that's a first
Xixi says – reply to this

27

That is sad! I know how hard it is to loose a parent.
p dog says – reply to this

28

i'm first!!!!!!!!!!!
Mo-joe says – reply to this

29

SAD. You can tell her was really close to his mother. May he find the strength to deal with this difficult time.
xoches says – reply to this

30

ooh r.i.p. i am so sorry for your lost! boo
Faye says – reply to this

31

That is so sad.

My prayers go out to him at this difficult time.

RIP
President Bush says – reply to this

32

I care!
Anna says – reply to this

33

KAYNE AND HIS MOM ARE SO SEXy!!
PEREZ, UR A DIRTY LIL SLUT!, HUh?
hersheyjrab says – reply to this

34

Oh no! He must be heart broken. Poor guy
UKer says – reply to this

35

OMG THIS IS TOO SAD……
POOR KANYE
Anna says – reply to this

36

Re: Parasite Hilton –

ROFLL. Like I'm sure you look any better? ahaha. Dumb skank show some respect. Let me know when one of your parents die and imma go take a shit on their grave. kgodie.
caleb says – reply to this

37

32?
Liz says – reply to this

38

I send out my condolences out to Kanye and his family. My prayers are w/ you and your family, Kanye. Sending you a great big hug—hang in there.
pooltop says – reply to this

39

So sad…condolensences to Kanye and his family. I hope she went peacefully.
maybenotsosad says – reply to this

40

Although my heart does go out to Kanye and his family, I can't help but not feel sorry for her if this is due to vanity. This is a lesson to all that while plastic surgery may make someone look younger the cost and riks are not worth it.
G-unit says – reply to this

41

awww that's so sad……I'll not be able to listen to "hey mama" without feelin sad now
im goin to see Kanye in December in Glasgow yaay
Mike says – reply to this

42

Oh my God, that's horrible. I feel so bad for all of them… Kanye's had so much success recently and he and his girlfriend are engaged, and now this. Yikes.

And btw, to the guy who said Perez is purposely trying to be misleading by filing it under "R.I.P. > Kanye West," seriously, eat shit, asshole. Those are the two categories this would go under, it's just a coincidence that it ended up looking like that in the heading. Seriously, how many people do you think read JUST the headline and not the rest of the entry? I guarantee you no one but your stupid ass was misled by that.
Faye says – reply to this

43

Me and my friends will play "Hey Mama" tonight in her memory.

RIP Dr. West
me says – reply to this

44

THAT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMPARE YOUR SON TO JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!

JESUS SHOWS YOU WHO THE BOSS IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but still RIP!!
ash says – reply to this

45

that's very sad.. rest in peace donda
crazy says – reply to this

46

This is sad. she did not look old and she didn't need Plastic surgery.
Kanye says – reply to this

47

Thanks for all the support y'all. It's just good to know that I am the best human being in the world and this should be no problem to get through. One hunned —-Kan the Louis Vitton Don
Michael says – reply to this

48

Crap, and he has that song "Hey Mama" he wrote for her, which is seriously the most touching rap song I've ever heard in my life. That's horrible.
Mandy says – reply to this

49

I know this may sound shallow, BUT it's hard to feel sorry for someone who died having plastic surgery! If you choose to go under the knife electively, you may have to suffer the consequences. SORRY!
SOSAD! says – reply to this

50

REST IN PEACE. DR.WEST

:(
Kelllly says – reply to this

51

Your reluctance to post this initially is admirable, Perez. It's nice to see you really are human after all. All my love and prayers to Kanye and his family.
KatieH says – reply to this

52

#
#47 - me says – reply to this

THAT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMPARE YOUR SON TO JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!

JESUS SHOWS YOU WHO THE BOSS IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but still RIP!!"

Every parent dies asshole! Your Jesus will show you who's boss too!
gia says – reply to this

53

Re: Parasite Hilton – you retarded kid, piece of scum..Have some decency, someday your going to lose your mother and I HOPE YOU REMEMBER THIS POST.
dj wanabe says – reply to this

54

rip this is so sad.
u nice says – reply to this

55

r.i.p. kanye's mommy
Harlem Chic says – reply to this

56

Kanye my heart and love go out to you and your family.You're mom was a beautiful, strong, intelligent, black queen.
Gina says – reply to this

57

Poor Kanye and family. My condolences, and I wish them strength during this tragic time.
SoulPole says – reply to this

58

Perez, that's Dr. Donda West..fucking crackers get it right..
nah says – reply to this

59

my prayers and thoughts are with the west family.
layla says – reply to this

60

that's so sad. R.I.P x
BesosMami says – reply to this

61

She died from complications from heart surgery
Regan says – reply to this

62

Whose business is it whether she was undergoing a cosmetic procedure or not? A man has lost his mother and all that need be shared are condolences for this family and their friends. Innuendo about procedures has no place in the report of a loss like this.
Banana says – reply to this

63

lolkarma
tru says – reply to this

64

Rest in peace.

Even if you dont like Kanye its sad wen you see someone loose a person so close to them.

Best Wishes
UngaBoongaBananaEater says – reply to this

65

UngaBoongaBananaEater Has Wacko Jacko Syndrome. Tryin to lose those Gorilla features will cost you your life. If your a tree swinger, just OWN IT. Unga Boonga Banana Eater Swingin From da Tree!
Slutty McSlut~slut! says – reply to this

66

I know how it feels to lose your momma….
I feel for you Kanye…
Kanye Sucks says – reply to this

67

I bet she died because "President Bush hates black people".
benji says – reply to this

68

Shocked!
Simone from Oztastic says – reply to this

69

Re: Parasite Hilton – Karma Karma Karma - Man it's gonna come back & get you bad
UngaBongaBananaEater says – reply to this

70

Looks Like She Had WACKO JACKO SYNDROME!! Tryin to deny the Gorilla Features God gave her. If you're a Gorilla Swingin From The Tree, Own It!!! Unga Bonga Banana Eater Holding The Banana In her Feet and Munchin on Up to that Rainbow Bridge!!! Tra La La La
sjnsj says – reply to this

71

OMG LMAO!

I first tought that KANYE WEST was dead ROFL!!!

rip…
get a clue says – reply to this

72

What are you IDIOTS?? ..It says RUMOR not fact. Geesh!!
i_love_you_kanye! says – reply to this

73

OMG! This is so sad! My prayers are with you kanye. I love you so much, hang in there love.
R.I.P. Ms. West!
No one Get's otta here alive ! says – reply to this

74

Trivia… Did you know in the cult movie 1994’s The TERMINATOR made by director James Cameron, California’s governor Schwarzenegger was originally asked to play the good guy Kyle Reese. Who was asked to be The Terminator?? Get Ready - none other than o.j.simpson! Cameron changed his mind because James stated PEOPLE WOULD NOT BELIEVE A NICE GUY LIKE o.j. simpson PLAYING THE PART OF SUCH A RUTHLESS KILLER!! REALLY???? FLASH AHEAD NOW TO 12, JUNE 1994….. WHEN o.j. TERMINATED X WIFE NICOLE & RONALD GOLDMAN! ! Hmmmmmmm
K says – reply to this

75

You're right, Mandy. That sounds pretty shallow.
karma says – reply to this

76

Re: Navidia – Oh yeah.. Karma is going to kick your ass!!
Just wait and see.
Dani says – reply to this

77

Hesitant maybe, but reporting a rumor that "is just a rumor at this point" is not admirable.
Mia says – reply to this

78

Damn, that is sad, and so unexpected. At least she got to see her son become successful before she passed away; her hard work paid off. Condolences to the West family. May our beloved sister rest in peace.
Caramel_q_tee says – reply to this

79

Whether she died from plastic surgery, heart sugery or toe surgery she still was an incredible women who educated thousands of children, chaired a foundation, and was the cornerstone of one of the greatest musicians of our time- which is waaaay more than your mother did! Whether you liek Kanye or not, the legacy of Dr. West can't be denied and she deserves respect. RIP
barbara says – reply to this

80

damn theres no respect for another human life.
RIP Donda West. Even though i dont like Kanye, its horrible to lose a parent, especially one you were so close to, like Kanye was. He owed everything to his mother and he knew it.
Mike says – reply to this

81

I honestly and truly hope the scumbag that's posting all of that hateful stuff gets into a car accident and dies.
JEN says – reply to this

82

You know when you are flossing, and bragging about being the best rapper alive and saying Ralph Lauren was boring until you wore him type of stuff. What happens.. your whole world is put on pause. That's part of life and we must move ahead. Kanye I know tears must be streaming down your face. Karma…Life..Balance.

R.I.P
imma90'sbabie,baby! says – reply to this

83

=(
Liz says – reply to this

84

For those of you that are planning or already posted ignorant and unkind words……just remember karma. This is a great loss for a son and family. If you have nothing nice to say. It's best if you keep your heads a**hole shut.
Phoebe13131313 says – reply to this

85

Re: Navidia – wat the hell is ur problem u piece of shit!
JEN says – reply to this

86

Re: Piggez –
nO ONE CARES IF YOUR FATASS TRAILER PARK MAMA DIED. KANYE IS A SUPERSTAR THAT'S WHY PEREZ IS POSTING
this world sucks says – reply to this

87

all you people suck

show some fucking respect people

r.i.p.
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE says – reply to this

88

DR. DONDA WEST WAS AN AMAZING WOMEN, KANYE ALWAYS MENTIONS HER IN HIS SONGS AND EVEN WROTE A SONG FOR HER ON HIS PREVIOUS ALBUM. THEY WERE VERY CLOSE. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE…
LONIE says – reply to this

89

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Although very sad. And I would never wish this on someone. But I think he's beyond cocky. I hope this reminds him that your like everyone else and makes him more down to earth. He has always come off as very arrogant and like hes above everyone else. Now this will send him crashing back to earh. I still feel bad for him.
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JANIE says – reply to this

90

To all the " INSANE NUT JOBS" posting crazy crap about KANYE mother passing away. PLEASE GO TO THERAPY!!!!

It's really sad that you FREAKS feel the need to post such cruel things about this man's mother.
Sheesh says – reply to this

91

Re: JEN – shut up, bitch!
asscrack says – reply to this

92

sorry to hear that she passed away.. she raised a poor excuse for a human being
UKer says – reply to this

93

PEREZ YOU NEED TO DELETE ALL THESE MULTIPLE POSTS, THEY ARE DISGUSTING AND UNWORTHY OF YOUR SITE.
YOU NEED TO GET PEOPLE TO REGISTER LIKE ON D LISTED , IT WORKS FOR MK AND PEOPLE ARE MUCH NICER ON THAT SITE.
kacey says – reply to this

94

i feel so bad and i hope kanye can get though it. my thoughs are with them.
Robert says – reply to this

95

Mother looks like a drag queen…
ashlee says – reply to this

96

RIP.thats horrible.. that was like his best friend.
belle7 says – reply to this

97

You can always tell which people are invisible and are not loved in thier everyday lives. They are the ones that use internet blogs to repeat the same message that is suppose to be shocking and angering over and over again. Funny thing is, when they finish…they will go back to being invisible and unloved.
Nurse Verina says – reply to this

98

I'm sorry sweetie.
Re: says – reply to this

99

SOME of you people here are truly fucked up. Didn't received enough hugs and kisses as a kid?
TheNiebur says – reply to this

100

Kanye has always been supportive of "us". Would be nice if we could pay him back in just a small way now, by letting him know that our hearts and thoughts are with him and the rest of his family.