Queen Latifah has never been the punch in to stay in one lane.
On top of her work in entertainment, shes also held the role ofcaregiver.
In 2018, Latifah lost her beloved mother, Rita Owens, to interstitiallung disease(ILD).
David Livingston / Getty Images
Theprevalence of ILDin the U.S. is 67.2 cases per 100,000 women and 80.9 cases per 100,000 men.
Ahead of the documentarys Sunday screening on A&E at 12 p.m. SELF: Hi, Queen!
Its so wonderful to speak.
Thank you for your time.
I understandBeyond Breathlessis really personal for you, as you lost your mom to ILD.
Youve said before that she was the love of your life.
What was she like?
Queen Latifah:She really was the love of my life.
She supported everything I did and wanted to try.
She was part of my management company.
She always made sure we saved money and were okay when we went on the road.
She was the wind beneath our wings.
She believed we could accomplish anything we put our minds to.
Your mom sounds like an absolute legend.
She was a very special person.
She was funny, stylish, fly, cool, and beautiful too.
You know, shes the kind of teacher you would want.
When she was facing ILD, you were her caregiver.
How did you take care of yourself during this time?
It was tough, Im not going to lie.
I was working a lot, as I always am.
I think it was important totake a breaksometimes.
Take a hike.Take a walk.
And try toget some sleep.
You know, just escape a little bit.
Justwatch something on TV, like some sci-fi.
Mom and I would do that together.
Or evenget a massage, get some reflexology.
Massage was important to us.
I would give my mother massages.
Even if youre spending $20 or $30 in yourself, its worth it.
Even if you want to get your nails done or your hair done.
Or for the guys who are caregivers, go hang out with your boys.
Go catch a movie.
But she would just crack these jokes out of nowhere.
She has a conversation with this young man who now believes he can accomplish his goals in life.
She could do some amazing things.
Were in for this fight, for them.
Do you think theres enough support for caregivers?
I dont think there can ever be enough.
I think thats wonderful, because caregiving is a very personal thing.
I hope theycreate more support for caregivers.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
