Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Kelly Rowland Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Ananda Lewis: Remembering an MTV Trailblazer

Kelly Rowland paid tribute to Ananda Lewis after the MTV trailblazer passed away at 52 following her breast cancer battle; pictured December 2024 in Los Angeles

Bittersweet Memories: Kelly Rowland Pays Tribute to Ananda Lewis After MTV Trailblazer's Shocking Death

The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of a true pioneer, as Ananda Lewis, the iconic MTV VJ and journalist, has passed away at the age of 52 after a seven-year battle with breast cancer. The news has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving fans and friends reeling in grief.

As Kelly Rowland, one-third of the legendary R&B group Destiny's Child, took to social media to pay tribute to her dear friend Ananda, memories of their time together came flooding back. "Interviews, yeah! But my fav is us singing together at a SADE concert, at THE TOP of our lungs!" Kelly recalled, sharing a portrait of the late star alongside a heartfelt message.

The former MTV VJ died this week following a seven-year battle with cancer and had shared a heartbreaking final post before her sister announced her passing; pictured March 2019

"Her spirit, SOUL, her [heart]... she was just an ALL around cool, beautiful, FLY woman! I am at a loss for words! BUT SENDING her LOVED ONES, my love and prayers!"

Ananda's passing has left many in the entertainment industry stunned, including Kelly Rowland, who had crossed paths with Ananda on multiple occasions. "We both left hoarse, but did not care!" she reminisced, recalling the night they belted out SADE hits until their throats were raw.

As news of Ananda's death spread like wildfire, fans and friends flocked to social media to share their own favorite memories of the trailblazing journalist. From her iconic hosting gigs on MTV's Total Request Live and Hot Zone to her unforgettable interviews with A-list celebrities, Ananda left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

The 44-year-old singer rose to fame alongside her band members Beyoncé and Michelle Williams in the late 1990s and often crossed paths with Lewis on MTV

But behind the glamour and glitz, Ananda was a warrior, battling stage III breast cancer for nearly two years before her diagnosis metastasized and advanced to stage IV. In one of her final Instagram posts, Ananda reflected on her journey, warning fans to prioritize their health above all else.

"I know I don't talk a lot about what I go through on a day-to-day basis wrestling the big C monster," she wrote. "Part of it is because I refuse to give it anymore energy than it's already taking from my life."

As Ananda's loved ones come together to celebrate her life, fans are rallying around Kelly Rowland and other celebrities who had the privilege of knowing the talented journalist. "She was just an ALL around cool, beautiful, FLY woman!" Kelly reiterated, echoing the sentiments of countless fans and friends.

In a tribute dedicated to Lewis, the Destiny's Child icon shared that she has 'the most amazing memories' of the time they spent together

Rest in peace, Ananda Lewis. Your legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those you touched with your wit, charm, and unwavering dedication to your craft.

Lewis had previously interviewed Destiny's Child nearly two decades ago

On Wednesday, July 11, Lewis passed away after her seven-year battle with cancer. The former MTV VJ's death was announced by her sister Lakshmi Emory via a Facebook post; pictured September 2005 in West Hollywood

In a post to her Instagram page in February Lewis told her followers that she had some regrets about her diagnosis and she wished she had things done differently

As a fixture on MTV in the late 1990s, Ananda hosted hit shows like Total Request Live, Hot Zone and Spring Break

Lewis nabbed her very own daytime TV talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, in 2001, which ran for one season. She is pictured with Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick and JC Chasez of NSYNC in 2000

Lewis' death was confirmed by her sister Lakshmi Emory in a Facebook post