The ceremony celebrating the life of Keisha Nash, the ex-wife of actor Forest Whitaker, took place this weekend.
Forest, 62, attended the ceremony with family members for the actress, producer and model, who died of alcoholic liver disease on December 6 at the age of 51.
According to People, the event took place on Saturday at Brickroom LA in Los Angeles, California.
Her daughters Autumn, Sonnet and True were there, as was their father Jeffery.
Celebrity friends John Travolta and Stevie Wonder were also in attendance.
Nash's porcelain urn sat on a mirror stand. The room was full of photos of her and her children and there was a candle display.
The ceremony celebrating the life of Keisha Nash Whitaker, the ex-wife of actor Forest Whitaker, took place this weekend following her death in December (pictured in 2014).
Whitaker – who was married to Nash from 1996 to 2018 – spoke at the service.
“She tried to write a book about celebrating everyday glamour.
“She said, “This book shows how you can make every moment of your life a glamorous, special, special moment that you can cherish and hold on to.”
At the end of his speech he said: “And the celebration continues.” It was incredible. We all love her.'
Celebrity performance coach Joseph McClendon said, “At least for today, I would like to submit and suggest something different that Keisha didn't leave behind.”
“She gave us a gift and the gift was her memories.”
McClendon asked friends to engrave her name in diaries.
“And at least write down your memories in it for the next 10 days,” he said.
“The memories she gave us will come to life and that will be her legacy that you will carry on too.”
A “Celebration of Life” video montage followed.
Forest, 62, attended the ceremony with family members of the actress, producer and model. The former couple in 2007
John Travolta (left) and Stevie Wonder (right) were also at the event. Wonder, 73, sang Steve Green's “The Lord's Prayer,” “Someday We'll All Be Free” and “I'll Be Loving You Always.”
Wonder, 73, sang Steve Green's “The Lord's Prayer,” “Someday We'll All Be Free” and “I'll Be Loving You Always.”
Butterflies were released, then food was served.
Last week it was revealed that she died in December aged 51 from alcoholic liver disease.
Nash-Whitaker, who battled anorexia for years, suffered from the disease, which occurs when the liver is seriously damaged by excessive alcohol consumption, for years before her death, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ.
Acute kidney failure – which can be caused by anorexia – is also listed as a major factor in her death. She died at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in LA County.
The former couple's 25-year-old daughter, True Whitaker, confirmed the tragic news on her Instagram account last month, calling her “the most beautiful woman in the world” in a heartbreaking post, but did not provide any information about the cause of death.
A source told that Nash-Whitaker died after spending the last few months in and out of hospital with bowel problems following years of battling anorexia.
It took place on Saturday at Brickroom LA in Los Angeles, California. Her daughters Autumn, Sonnet and True were there, as was their father Jeffery. Seen with her daughters in 2007
True confirmed the tragic news on her Instagram account
“Keisha battled anorexia for years,” says a source. Forrest stayed by her side through these difficult times, but the following year, he filed for divorce in 2015.
Whitaker and Nash share two daughters, Sonnet, 27, and True, 25.
“They remained friends and their divorce was amicable, but because Whitaker said his wife was 'kind, funny, bright and outgoing and also a good mother to her children, there was no reason not to remain friendly.'
Meanwhile, True's emotional post read: “Farewell mom.
“I love you forever and beyond,” True posted on her account over a photo of her mother.
“The most beautiful woman in the world…Thank you for teaching me everything I know. 'I will see you in my dreams and I will feel you in my heart.'
Nash's porcelain urn sat on a mirror stand. The room was full of photos of her and her children and there was a candle display. This weekend saw the celebration of life for Keisha Nash Whitaker, the ex-wife of actor Forest Whitaker (pictured in 2014).
While promoting her line in 2008, she told O, The Oprah Magazine about starting a business: “I've always been very ambitious.” When my children were younger, I tried to start a children's clothing line.
“But you have to be really committed to a new business, and back then I was more focused on being a mother. “Now that Forest is successful and my children are older, I can set higher goals and achieve them.”
One of the colors was named after her then-husband: “I wanted to name it something that everyone could relate to.” Each shade is named after a man who gave someone I know a kiss for the first time. I named a shadow Forest because I was never really kissed until I met him.'
While promoting her line in 2007, she told Women's Wear Daily, “Before and after modeling, beauty was all around me and it became part of me.”
“Although lipstick is making a comeback, many people rely on lip gloss because it's so effortless.”