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

Tears and Tributes: CNN's Sara Sidner Honors Ananda Lewis with Heartfelt Tribute

Sara Sidner gave an emotional tribute to her friend, Ananda Lewis during her broadcast on CNN

MTV VJ Ananda Lewis Dies After Seven-Year Battle with Breast Cancer - Emotional Tribute on CNN

In a heartbreaking special report, CNN anchor Sara Sidner struggled to hold back tears as she paid tribute to her dear friend and broadcast peer, former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis, who lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer. The emotional segment was joined by network correspondent Stephanie Elam, who had also battled the disease, making it a deeply personal and vulnerable report.

A Ride-or-Die Friendship

Lewis, 52, died on Wednesday after a years-long battle with breast cancer. She rose to fame in the 1990s as an MTV VJ (Pictured: Lewis at a benefit party in 2005)

Sidner and Elam shared their heart-wrenching reaction to Lewis' passing, revealing that they had been planning to visit her just hours before her death. Elam revealed that she was in Los Angeles covering protests when she received the devastating news about Lewis' declining health. "I drove to be with her and held her hand, telling her how much I love her," Elam said, fighting back tears.

The two journalists had previously come together with Lewis to share their individual journeys with breast cancer on CNN. Elam praised Lewis as a ride-or-die friend, saying they had been through thick and thin together. "Two-thirds of my life, she has been my best friend," Elam revealed. "We would text each other all the time."

A Life Well-Lived

Lewis was open about her battle with breast cancer, revealing in an interview on CNN last year that she opted not to have a double mastectomy after her diagnosis

As the tributes poured in, it became clear that Lewis was more than just a TV personality - she was an amazing mother, auntie, and friend. Sidner remembered her as an "awesome" person who always tried to help others through tough times. "She would fix up your house or give you skin care advice," Sidner said.

A Non-Traditional Approach

Lewis had taken a non-traditional route with her breast cancer treatment, choosing not to undergo a double mastectomy when she was first diagnosed. Instead, she opted for homeopathic remedies, medication, and radiation. "My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body," Lewis explained on CNN. "I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true."

CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam (right) told Sidner (left) that she visited Lewis in the hospital before her death

Lessons Learned

In a candid interview, Lewis revealed that she had considered getting the mastectomy but couldn't due to California hospitals deeming it a non-emergency procedure during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. She urged her followers to focus on prevention measures and emphasized the importance of regular mammograms.

A Legacy Lives On

The three women discussed their journeys with breast cancer in a CNN broadcast last October. Sidner (left) opened up about her decision to get a mastectomy, while Lewis (middle) opted for a different treatment plan

Sidner and Elam praised Lewis for her courage and candor, saying they believed she had saved many lives by sharing her story. Lewis' legacy extends beyond her TV career, which included hosting shows like Total Request Live, Hot Zone, and Spring Break on MTV.

She is survived by her husband Harry Smith, whose brother is A-list actor Will Smith, and their 14-year-old son, Langston. As the news of her passing spread, fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to this beloved TV personality and breast cancer warrior.

A Final Message

Elam and Sidner remembered Lewis as an 'awesome mom, auntie, and friend during their emotional tribute (Pictured: Lewis at Entertainment Tonight's Annual Emmy Awards Party in 2005)

In one of her final messages, Lewis told Elam, "I love you, my wonderful lifelong bestie of besties." Her last text read, "You know my feelings on this. We all go; these bodies are on loan and must be returned. We come in love, and choose to leave it with love as well."

The CNN special report ended with Sidner saying, "We will miss her dearly, but we will also celebrate the life she lived and the lessons she taught us." As fans mourn the loss of this talented TV personality, they are left wondering what could have been if only Ananda Lewis had received a diagnosis earlier.

Elam (right) said that even though Lewis was 'hard headed' about her decisions, she praised her friend's ability to go about cancer in her own way

Lewis hosted shows on MTV during the 1990s and had a daytime talk show in 2001. She is survived by her husband, Harry Smith, and her son. (Pictured: Lewis at the 2005 Golden Globe Awards)