Ananda Lewis, the former MTV and BET host who became a beloved television personality in the 1990s with her warmth and authenticity, has died. She was 52. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed Lewis' death in a Facebook post Wednesday.

FRIDAY, June 13, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Ananda Lewis, a former MTV host and TV personality, is dead at 52. Her friend Lakshmi Emory shared the news in a June 11 Facebook post. “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” Emory wrote, alongside a black-and-white photo of Lewis.

Ananda Lewis had one dying wish before her heartbreaking passing. Lakshmi Emory, Lewis’ sister, said that the former MTV video jockey hoped to live long enough to make it to her 14-year-old son Langston’s middle school graduation day.