November 2007
Hip-hop star Kanye West's beloved mother, Dr. Donda West, is dead at the young age of 58, according to The Sun Times. Donda was pronounced dead in a Los Angeles hospital and her publicist gave a brief confirmation. Patricia Green told BBC News Donda passed away "as the result of complications from a cosmetic surgical procedure."
In addition to raising a son, Donda was chairman of Chicago State University's english department. She even headed up Kanye's foundation to prevent students from dropping out. A spokesperson asked that their privacy be respected during this time.