Who Is Donda West? Age, Biography and Wiki
Donda West was born on July 12, 1949, and tragically passed away on November 10, 2007. Known primarily as the mother of rapper Kanye West, she was a prominent educator and author in her own right. Donda made significant contributions to academia, serving as the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. In 2025, her legacy continues to impact the fields of education and cultural discussions surrounding her son’s music and persona.
| Occupation | Teacher |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1949 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 November, 2007 |
| Died Place | Playa del Rey, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Donda West's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Donda West stood approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and had a weight fluctuating between 130 and 140 pounds during her adulthood, reflecting her active lifestyle. Her body measurements are not widely documented, but she maintained a presence that reflected her vibrant personality and dedication to health.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Donda was married to Ray West, a former Black Panther and a photojournalist. Together, they had one son, Kanye West, who would go on to become a global icon. After her marriage, Donda was not publicly known to have had significant relationships and dedicated much of her life to her career and her son. Her influence as a mother is often highlighted in Kanye's work and interviews.
Donda Clairann West ( Williams; July 12, 1949 – November 10, 2007) was an American educator and chair of Chicago State University's Department of English, Communications, Media, and Theater. She was best known for being the mother of American rapper Kanye West.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2007, Donda West's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. While she earned a respectable salary as an educator and an author, much of her financial legacy is interwoven with that of her son, Kanye West, who has expanded the family’s fortune significantly through his music and various business ventures.
Career, Business and Investments
Donda West’s career was primarily rooted in education. She authored the book "Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a hip-hop Superstar,” sharing insights into motherhood and the challenges of raising a child in the public eye. Additionally, she founded the Donda’s House non-profit organization in Chicago, aimed at providing mentorship and opportunities for young artists. Her investment in education and the arts reflects her belief in nurturing talent and creativity.
She began her teaching career in the early 1970s at Morris Brown College in Atlanta and began working at Chicago State University in 1980. West taught English at Nanjing University for a year as a scholar through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.
In all, West spent 27 years at Chicago State, in head of the department of English, communications, media and theater.
A statement from the university recalled West's role in establishing the university's Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing "as an academic focus to teach writings of African-American authors and poets while fostering new literary talent."
Social Network
Donda West, while no longer alive, has left an indelible mark on social media through the legacy of her son, Kanye. Many posts, tributes, and discussions revolve around her contributions, nurturing style, and impact on Kanye’s artistry. Followers of Kanye West often reminisce about Donda's influence in various online platforms, reflecting on her role in shaping not just her son, but the cultural landscape of hip-hop.
On November 10, 2007, Donda West died at age 58. In January 2008, the Los Angeles County coroner's office said that she had died of coronary artery disease and multiple post-operative factors from cosmetic surgery.
Authorities in Los Angeles launched an investigation into her death after learning the doctor who operated on her, Jan Adams, had convictions for alcohol-related offenses and at least two major malpractice settlements.
Education
Donda completed her undergraduate studies at Chicago State University, where she later returned to teach. Her deep commitment to academic excellence and advocacy for education reform positioned her as a respected figure in the educational community. Donda emphasized critical thinking and creativity, encouraging her students to express themselves freely, which resonated throughout her teaching career.
Kanye's writing partner and friend, Rhymefest, lamented West's death in an appearance on Chicago radio station WCGI. "She was everyone's mom," Rhymefest said. "A spirit never dies, a spirit lasts forever." Kanye and Rhymefest founded the non-profit Donda's House in 2013, a free music writing program with the goal of helping at-risk Chicago youth.
It is aimed at students between 15 and 24, and includes lessons on how to write and record music. Their curriculum is based on the teaching philosophy and pedagogy of West with a focus on collaborative and experiential learning. Born Che Smith, Rhymefest grew up in Chicago, with Donda mentoring him as an educator.
Donda's House was renamed Art of Culture, Incorporated after a contentious split between Rhymefest and Kanye.
