Ananda Lewis, the beloved former MTV VJ and host of BET’s Teen Summit, has passed away at the age of 52.

The heartbreaking news was shared by her sister, Lakshmi, on Wednesday, June 11, via Facebook. “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” she wrote. “Lord, rest her soul.”

Lewis had publicly revealed her battle with breast cancer in 2020, sharing that she had been diagnosed with Stage III and later Stage IV breast cancer after avoiding mammograms due to a fear of radiation. Her decision was deeply personal, influenced by watching her mother undergo regular screenings and still face a cancer diagnosis.

In a powerful 2024 interview with Good Morning America, Lewis candidly opened up about her journey. “Cancer doesn’t come and replace all the other stuff you have to do. Cancer happens on top of your life,” she said, explaining how overwhelmed she felt as a homeschooling mother when faced with the recommendation for a double mastectomy. “I couldn’t handle doing such a drastic surgery at that time.”

Though she initially resisted conventional treatment, Lewis clarified that she did not reject medicine. She pursued a combination of fractionated chemotherapy, dietary changes, and ongoing monitoring by her doctors.

Lewis first rose to prominence as the host of Teen Summit on BET, where she led groundbreaking conversations on youth empowerment, identity, and social issues. Her charisma and insight made her a natural fit for MTV, where she went on to host Total Request Live and Hot Zone, becoming a staple of late ’90s and early 2000s pop culture.

In 2001, Lewis stepped away from MTV to launch The Ananda Lewis Show, a daytime talk show bearing her name.

In her final public reflections, Lewis spoke with purpose and peace: “I loved hard, and lived loud, and didn’t back away from problems. I loved this life, and was OK with letting it go too.”

BET honored her legacy with a tribute on Instagram, writing:
“As the host of BET’s Teen Summit, she didn’t just lead conversations—she sparked change, empowering a generation to speak up, love themselves, and think deeper.”

The post continued, “Ananda brought brilliance, beauty, and authenticity to every space she entered. Her impact lives on through the countless lives she touched, both on and off screen. We honor the life and legacy of Ananda Lewis—an unforgettable voice, trailblazer, and truth-teller.”

Ananda Lewis is remembered as a fearless advocate, a cultural icon, and a woman who lived with purpose, passion, and authenticity.