DMX's ex Tashera Simmons remembers the 'most important person in the world to me' in tribute video - Daily Mail

The late rapper DMX was remembered by his ex-wife Tashera Simmons in a moving tribute video she unveiled on Instagram on Saturday.

Though the two became estranged back in 2005, and they had separated by 2010, Simmons said they remained friends up until the rapper's death on Friday at age 50.

Saying goodbye: DMX's ex-wife Tashera Simmons celebrated her 50th birthday and paid tribute to her 'best friend' in a sweet video remember the rapper, who died on Friday at 50.

What a journey,' Simmons said via narration while sharing some childhood photos of herself. .

Although much of the video was solely devoted to her own life, Simmons found room for photos of the former couple having fun together, including one picture of him showing her how to ride a four wheeler.

The New York–born rapper was remembered in his home town with a marquee on the iconic Apollo Theater marking his life and death.

Home town: The New York–born rapper was remembered in his home town with a marquee on the iconic Apollo Theater marking his life and death; pictured April 10.

The rapper DMX died aged 50 on Friday, a week after his heart attack and reported overdose.

His family confirmed the news in a statement saying: 'We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.'.

The news came after it was reported Friday that his vital organs had failed, that he had 'not regained any brain function' and that his condition had not improved after a series of tests that were performed on Wednesday at White Plains Hospital, New York. .

He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him,' the statement, shared via People, continued.

DMX dead at 50: The rapper - real name Earl Simmons - died aged 50 at White Plains Hospital on Friday after suffering a heart attack and reported overdose last week (pictured in 2017).

The tests had reportedly left his family with the agonizing decision over whether to keep the 50-year-old entertainer on life support. .

White Plains Hospital released an additional statement which read: 'White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr.

Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time.

Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.' .

TMZ reported that the tests had proved there was 'no improvement in brain activity' since the rapper was first rushed into hospital last Friday, after he was deprived of any oxygen for nearly half an hour.

Mourners paid their respects and placed memorabilia outside the White Plains, New York, hospital where he died.

People got emotional, including this man who visited the memorial outside hospital.

DMX died at the White Plains Hospital in New York; the news of his death came Friday !

Later that same day, a prayer vigil was held by family, friends and fans outside the hospital where DMX was receiving care in White Plains, New York.

'On Friday night, April 2nd, 2021, our brother, son, father, and colleague DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains (NY) Hospital, facing serious health issues,' the family said through a publicist before his death. .

 'We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.

He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him.

An additional statement from the hospital said, 'White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr.

Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time.

Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.'.

Another statement released on Sunday afternoon said the rapper remained in a coma and was on a ventilator.

Simmons' longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, said the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit at White Plains Hospital after going into cardiac arrest.

Vigil: A prayer vigil was held by family, friends and fans outside the hospital where DMX was receiving care in White Plains, New York, before it was announced that his organs had failed.

Not the run-of-the-mill rapper.

Doctors said the lack of oxygen severely affected his brain, with one family member saying 'It's not looking good.'.

'Last night Earl 'DMX' Simmons was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home.

Earl has been a warrior his entire life.

Sending her condolences: Diane Haughton, the mother of DMX's former collaborator Aaliyah, wrote a touching message directed at the late performer and his loved ones that she posted to daughter's Instagram account.

Loved one: DMX's ex-wife Tashera Simmons was seen just outside of her Mt.

Happy parents: The rapper welcomed four of his 15 children with his ex-wife. The two separated in 2010 but remained friends.

Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING.' .

Nothing but fierce love, prayers and protection for X's family, friends and fans.

'The Simmons Family appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, encouragement, support and prayers for Earl

Earl is someone whose life and music have been a source of inspiration and strength to so many people around the world

'Lord God in Heaven, bless our brother DMX,' said Rowland, 40, in an emotional video on her Insta Stories this Saturday, 'I ask that you would bless his family.'

Tributes: Mourners have been gathering outside the hospital; above a fan is seen paying respects on Friday

People gathered throughout the day at the memorial that had grown outside the hospital

Born Earl Simmons in Mount Vernon, New York on December 18, 1970, he was the son of 19 year old Arnett Simmons and 18 year old Joe Barker, and raised in nearby Yonkers. 

Barker reportedly did not want Simmons to keep her son, and cut off almost all contact with the family as soon as Earl was born. 

Growing up in Yonkers, New York, DMX took his moniker from the name of a drum machine used in rap songs. When he was 14, an older rapper who had been a mentor tricked him into smoking crack, DMX said in a documentary series broadcast on BET

Before he died, his ex-wife Tashera Simmons, with whom he had four children, attended a vigil outside his hospital, where hundreds of fans danced to DMX songs

Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING.' 

Meanwhile his longtime label Def Jam said in a statement Friday: 'Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our brother Earl 'DMX' Simmons

The statement concluded: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and were touched by him