Ariana DeBose is mourning an enormous loss.
The West Side Story star shared that her mom Gina DeBose died Aug. 17 at age 57 due to complications from ovarian cancer, saying she “couldn’t be more proud of” her mother for her three-year battle with the disease.
“She was my favorite person, my biggest fan and toughest critic,” Ariana wrote in a post on Instagram Aug. 19. “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 34-year-old went on to commend her mom for raising her as a single parent, noting that “it had always been the two of us for as long as I can remember.”
“She fought like hell to give me a good life, a good education and every opportunity in the world,” she continued. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
