Oscar winner Ariana DeBose devastated by mum's death at 57 as she pays tribute
Ariana DeBose has announced that her mother, Gina DeBose, has died three years after being diagnosed with cancer. The Oscar winner shared the news this afternoon and paid tribute to her parent, who was her "best friend".
The actor, 34, who rose to fame on Broadway before starring in the acclaimed film West Side Story (2021), shared the news on Instagram earlier. She told her followers on the platform that Gina died, aged 57, on Sunday morning as a result of complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
Tony Awards host Ariana included a number of photos of the late teacher in the post. She paid tribute to her in the caption, describing her mother as a "warrior queen" and telling fans that she had been a "force of epic proportion".
Ariana wrote in the post today: "At 10:28 am on August 17th my gorgeous, hilarious, outspoken, warrior queen Mother - Gina Michelle DeBose - passed away due to complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer. I couldn't be more proud of her and how she fought this insidious disease over the past 3 years. She was 57 years young.
"She was my favorite person, my biggest fan and toughest critic. My best friend. She was my date to every important moment in my professional and personal life - and I wouldn't have it any other way."
The former Hamilton cast member continued by writing: "It had always been the two of us for as long as I can remember. Through lean times, and there were many of those & green times.
"She fought like hell to give me a good life, a good education and every opportunity in the world. I wouldn't be where I am without her. I meant it when I said my Oscar 'is just as much hers as it is mine'."
Ariana added: "My mom loved to paint, play cards, listen to good music & snuggle with her cats; but her life's purpose, aside from being my mom, was educating young people. She passed just shy of delivering 30 years of service as a public school teacher (most currently 8th grade social studies)."
She added that Gina "thrived" in a classroom and her creativity "knew no bounds". Ariana said that her mother was "beloved" and "respected" by colleagues and students.
Ariana said: "The greatest advocate for the underdog, a believer in arts education and the smartest person I know - with a willingness to speak her mind regardless of the consequences. But she was also a heart forward individual who believed in hard work, compassion and empathy in the same breath."
She went on to share: "For the record: my greatest and most proud achievement will always be to have made her proud. I love you mommy. Now travel amongst the seas, the winds and the angels as I know you always loved to do."
Ariana encouraged anyone wanting to make a donation in Gina's honour to support three cancer organisations. She provided links to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Ovaries. Talk About Them and Teal Diva in the post.
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