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Donda C. West (née Williams; July 12, 1949 – November 10, 2007) was an American educator, author and chair of Chicago State University's Department of English, Communications, Media and Theater. She was the mother of rapper Ye, better known as Kanye West.
On November 10, 2007, Donda West passed away at the age of 58. In January 2008, the Los Angeles County coroner's office reported that her death was attributed to coronary artery disease and multiple post-operative factors resulting from cosmetic surgery. Following this, authorities in Los Angeles initiated an investigation into her death upon discovering that the doctor who performed her surgery, Jan Adams, had a history of alcohol-related offenses and at least two significant malpractice settlements.
Kanye West held his first concert after her funeral at The O2 Arena in London on November 22. During the performance, he dedicated a rendition of "Hey Mama," as well as a cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," to his mother. He continued this dedication for all other dates of his Glow in the Dark Tour. Donda was also posthumously featured and referenced in multiple songs on Kanye's 2021 studio album titled Donda, which was named in her honor.