Denise Richards mourns mother

Dec 3, 2007, 12:30 GMT

10/25/2007 - Denise Richards - © David Gabber / PR Photos

Denise Richards is mourning the death of her mother.

The 'Wild Things' star's mother Joni lost her long battle against kidney cancer in Los Angeles on Friday (30.11.07).

Denise's representative Jill Fritzo said: "Joni passed away on Friday surrounded by family."

In February this year the 36-year-old actress admitted she was struggling to cope with her mother's illness.

Denise said: "My mother has cancer. It's hard."

The star worked to raise money for Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre, where Joni received her treatment.

Denise was reportedly scheduled to be a guest host on US chat show 'The View' at the beginning of next week, but has postponed her appearance.

The star is currently embroiled in a bitter custody battle with ex-husband Charlie Sheen regarding their two daughters Sam, three, and two-year-old Lola.

Denise had been dating musician Richie Sambora - whose father died of lung cancer in April - but they split in March. The couple had been helping each other through their parents' illnesses and Denise attended Richie's father's funeral to support him, despite their split.

In February she said: "Thank God Richie and I have each other not only to go through divorce, but to go through both our parents being ill."

(C) BANG Media International