Ananda Lewis, a staple of MTV’s golden era, died this week after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 52. In the years leading up to her death, the beloved TV personality stirred controversy by opting for alternative treatments instead of a doctor-recommended double mastectomy — a decision she stood by until the end,

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.

Sara Sidner and Stephanie Elam both held back tears as they paid tribute to their late colleague and friend. CNN's Sara Sidner and Stephanie Elam are mourning the death of their friend Ananda Lewis. The two journalists paid tribute to the late MTV VJ,