Ananda Lewis, a beloved former MTV VJ, has died at the age of 52. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, announced the news in a heartfelt Facebook post on June 11. Emory wrote, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Lewis was a prominent figure on MTV during the late 1990s, known for hosting popular shows like "Total Request Live" and "Hot Zone." She also had her own talk show, "The Ananda Lewis Show," which premiered in 2001. In 2019, Lewis was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, a battle she openly discussed with her fans.

In a January 2025 op-ed for Essence, Lewis revealed that she chose not to undergo the recommended double mastectomy. Instead, she opted for alternative methods to manage her cancer, including dietary changes and various therapies. She stated, "My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made."

Despite her efforts, Lewis later discovered that her cancer had progressed to Stage 4. In her writings, she expressed regret over her treatment choices, saying, "I wish I could go back. It’s important for me to admit where I went wrong with this."

Lewis emphasized the importance of cancer prevention, urging women to educate themselves about their health. She wrote, "Going into 2025, I would say to women: Do everything in your power to avoid my story becoming yours. If I had known what I know now 10 years ago, perhaps I wouldn’t have ended up here."

In her reflections, Lewis acknowledged the transient nature of life. She stated, "We're not meant to stay here forever. We come to this life, have experiences—and then we go. Being real about that with yourself changes how you choose to live."

Ananda Lewis is survived by her 14-year-old son, Langston, whom she shared with Harry Smith, the brother of actor Will Smith. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and her candid discussions about health will be remembered by many.