Kanye West's Mother Dies -- A Mystery

Kanye WestKanye West's mother, Dr. Donda West, 58, has died. Multiple reports indicate that Dr. West's death may have been a result of complications from some sort of surgery.

Kanye was in London when he was told. He is on his way back to the U.S.

West often spoke about the close relationship he shared with his mother. Dr. West worked as the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to become her son's manager.

Kanye's mom was the CEO of West Brands, LLC at the time of her death. She was also Chair of the Kanye West Foundation.

Kanye's writing partner, Rhymefest, confirmed Dr. West's death on Chicago radio station 107.5 WGCI, calling her a "mother for the community and a mother for one of Chicago's greatest heroes."

Calls to Kanye's management were not immediately returned.

Tags: kayne west, KayneWest

Reader Comments

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91. THIS STORY WAS BETTER THAN THE WAY THEY REPORTED MARIE OSMONDS' DADS' DEATH. SOMEONE LEARNING THEIR LESSON AT TMZ??!! SORRY TO THE FAMILY

Posted at 9:02PM on Nov 11th 2007 by MARIE

92. My heart goes out to Kayne and his family. My prayers are with you all. I know this feeling so well and all you can do now is be strong for each other. This has brought tears and memories to me at this time.

God bless you Kayne and Family

Posted at 9:04PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Shasha

93. MY MOTHER PASSED AWAY 8 YEARS AGO ON THIS DAY, NOV. 10TH, IT IS DEFINITELY A HARD MONTH FOR ME TO GET THROUGH , BUT I MANAGE EVERY YEAR, WITH HELP FROM UP ABOVE. STAY STRONG KANYE.

Posted at 9:11PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Carol B.

94. I lost my mother the same day 7 years ago and I cried when I heard the news. Im so sorry for your loss Kanye.. You are my favorite artist in a long long time. I support your music, you are a genious. I will keep you in my prayers every day .. the loss of a good mother is tremendous and I am feeling with you. Lynn

Posted at 9:08PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Lynn M Elmwood Park NJ

95. Re: # 70. Your comment that PhD's do not use the title"Doctor" is incorrect. PhD is an abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy" just as EdD is the abbreviation for "Doctor of Education" and MD is an abbreviation for "Doctor ofMedicine." All use the title "Doctor. Be careful of speaking about that which you have no knowledge. To make such a blantantly false comment shows you are not at all familiar with graduate education of the above professions. Lawyers are also Doctors of Jurisprudence, or JD.
God bless Dr.West and theWest family.

Posted at 9:12PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Janina

96. She passed away by refusing blood transfusion for cosmetic surgery . Breast enhancement and tummy tuck. sorry for your loss.

Posted at 9:30PM on Nov 11th 2007 by larich1216

97. If you have a PHD, you get to call yourself a Doc..... you do NOT have to be an MD

You obviously haven't been in college, since basically every professor is a Dr. and some make it well known.

Posted at 9:19PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Rast

98. God Bless you and keep her. Losing a mother is one of life's hardest experiences! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted at 9:18PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Denise

99. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Posted at 9:29PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Lisa Kane

100. atleast she was able to see him become this huge success....something all of our mothers hope we're capable of in any of our endevours. based on his lyrics they were obviously very close. she must've been a very intelligent woman, she produced a great artist who didnt feel the need to disrespect women or curse profusely on every track.

Posted at 9:31PM on Nov 11th 2007 by ms wonderland

101. at least she was able to see him become a huge success...something all of our mothers hope for us with any road we choose. based on his lyrics it's obvious they were very close....it was also obvious that she was a very intelligent and strong woman....she produced an artist who didnt feel it necessary to disrespect women or curse profusely on every track. We all know thats a reflection of peoples thoughts about the women in their own life....so, yeah must've been a great woman. my condolences

Posted at 9:33PM on Nov 11th 2007 by ms wonderland

102. at least she was able to see him become a huge success...something all of our mothers hope for us with any road we choose. based on his lyrics it's obvious they were very close....it was also obvious that she was a very intelligent and strong woman....she produced an artist who didnt feel it necessary to disrespect women or curse profusely on every track. We all know thats a reflection of peoples thoughts about the women in their own life....so, yeah must've been a great woman. my condolences

Posted at 9:34PM on Nov 11th 2007 by ms wonderland

103. I AM SORRY FOR HIS LOSS. I ALSO HEARD IT WAS DURING A PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE. I HAD PLASTIC SURGERY & ALMOST DIED FROM IT. IT COULD BE FROM AN EMBOLISM. THEY ARE MUCH MORE COMMON THAN PEOPLE KNOW. I FOUND THAT OUT AFTER A MONTH ON LIFE SUPPORT & WAS JUST LUCKY I MADE IT. I WAS NOT EXPECTED TO. SO - I HOPE IF THIS IS THE TRUTH THEN THERE IS MORE AWARENESS OF ANY PROCEDURE WITH ANESTHESIA. I WAS LEFT WITH 65% OF MY LUNG CAPACITY AT 34 SO I SEE MYSELF AS LUCKY. I AM JUST VERY SORRY FOR HIS LOSS.

Posted at 9:45PM on Nov 11th 2007 by KRYSTAL

104. To all who seem to know how Doctor West died can you tell me where you read it at? Because CNN (the most trusted news source), hasn't even commented on why she died, maybe their just showing a little respect for a least a few days any way. Why one feels the need to say why she died or how is irrelevant right now, the fact is Kanye is an only child and she was the primary caretaker for him and now she's basically disappeared out of his life!! Someone asked did racist posters have a soul, hell no they don't they themselves and cling to their hate for identity, they love their hate more than they love their own families, they are sick and need prayer like Jesus said.

Posted at 9:57PM on Nov 11th 2007 by Melissa Massaline

105. parent's are soooo precious,,both of mine are gone. i feel for you. god bless and stay strong !

Posted at 9:55PM on Nov 11th 2007 by SOOO SORRY

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