Evan Agostini / Getty
DMX’s ex-wife remembers the late rapper one day after his death.
On Saturday, Tashera Simmons marked her 50th birthday on Instagram with a montage of throwback photos, including some from her childhood, as well as moments from her wedding to DMX.
“Happy, happy birthday to me. April 10, 1971. Wow, what a ride. What a journey. As I conclude the last 50 years of my life, I am delighted and thank God for all that it has taught me. The “the pain, the pain, the triumph, the resistance, the resilience, the learning lessons, the relationships, the power,” Simmons said in a speech along with the highlights of her life so far.
“I celebrate my life today thankfully to God for the 50 years He has given me. But now I also celebrate my ex-husband, my best friend, my spiritual partner, my mentor. But I also thank God for his life and his peace. “And his journey and his life lessons that have been passed on and that will live on for generations,” she concluded.
RELATED: DMX dies at 50 a week after star had heart attack: ‘A warrior who fought to the end’
DMX and Simmons were married in 1998 and shared four children: Xavier, Tacoma, Praise Mary Ella and Sean.
They divorced in 2005 and Simmons filed for divorce in 2012.
Happy 50th birthday to me. 😢💔 With a lot of prayer, pulling. Crying and a roller coaster of emotions. I could not bring myself to just celebrate and end the last 50 years of my life without losing life of one of you best to celebrate “an important person in the world to me, my ex-husband,” she captioned her video.
“I know today is my day. But I also understand that God is love. When God allowed me to open my eyes and give me the gift of life, I realized more than ever, it was my true gift. today.to God !! I am so thankful to God and honored from my heart For the opportunity I had during this journey, I called life to join hands in a marriage with a true disciple and Angel of God to participate in life when we did. 🙏 🏽, “Simmons continues in her caption.
“Everything we went through was necessary. It made me the woman I am today. As I enter a new chapter in life, I do not walk the same path in it. Life is so fragile and special at the same time! My life lessons “raised me to be a Mighty Warrior of God! Loving, resilient and strong!” she wrote.
RELATED: Remember DMX’s Most Famous Hits – From ‘Party Up (Above)’ to ‘Ruff Riders’ Anthem’
Jonathan-Mannion DMX
On April 9, DMX, a father of 15, died a week after suffering a heart attack at the age of 50.
The rapper and actor, born Earl Simmons, has died at White Plains Hospital in New York, his family confirmed to PEOPLE. “We are very sad to announce today that our beloved, DMX, the birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at the age of 50 in White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. is, “they wrote in a statement.
“Earl was a warrior who fought to the end. He loved his family with all his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired many fans around the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever.We appreciate all the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.Please respect our privacy because we are sad about the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man who knew the world as DMX.We will share information about his memorial service once the details have been finalized. “
Simmons concluded her Instagram post, “Thank you so much to everyone who is poor [sic] of your love and concern. This is currently a very tough time for me and my family … but I learned from one of the strongest men I have ever known. We’ll get through. God bless you all. Happy birthday to me. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 wow the big 50. ‘
The rapper “Party Up (Up in Here)” was hospitalized in a serious condition on April 2 after having a heart attack at his home around 11pm, his lawyer Murray Richman told NBC News the next day. Simmons and DMX’s fiancée Desiree Lindstrom had earlier attended a vigil at his hospital, where they were praying for his recovery.
Want to get the biggest stories from PEOPLE every weekday? Subscribe to our new podcast, PEOPLE Every day, to get the essential news stories about celebrity, entertainment and human interest Monday through Friday.
Born on December 18, 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland, DMX 15 has released Billboard Hot songs of 100 megahit, including ‘Party Up (Up In Here)’ which peaked at 27 on the list and was 21 weeks on the charts. His collaborative tune ‘Money, Power, Respect’ with The Lox and Lil ‘Kim peaked at 17 and topped the charts for 20 weeks.
DMX has also appeared in 15 films, including Belly, Fast and Fierce: Death Race and Romeo Must Die – the latter with Jet Li and co-hit Aaliyah (who died in 2001 at the age of 22). The star has also made several TV appearances, including his roles in a lead role. South Park, Moesha, Half and Half, Fresh from the boat and Eva.
DMX has earned three Grammy nominations over the course of his decades-long career, including best rap solo performance for his hit song “Party Up (Up in Here)” and best rap album for his fan favorite. And then there was X – both nominees came in 2000. In 2001, he was in the Grammy Series for best rap solo performance for his jam “Who We Be”.
DMX is survived by his mother Arnett Simmons, his siblings, his children and their mothers.