Andre Benjamin of OutKast is mourning the loss of his mother, Sharon Benjamin-Hodo, who was found dead on May 27.
- May 30, 2013
AceShowbiz - Sad news came from Andre Benjamin and his family. The OutKast member is grieving the loss of his mother, Sharon Benjamin-Hodo, a representative confirms. According to report, Sharon was found dead at her Atlanta home on Dre's 38th birthday, which was on Monday, May 27. No other details are available at the moment.
Sharon, who once worked as a real estate agent while raising Andre as a single mother, was also known for her humanitarian work. She founded The Starlight Camp for underprivileged children and operated it through the New Morning Light Missionary Baptist Church in Conley, GA, where her husband Pastor Robert Hodo preached.
Sharon also played a role in co-managing OutKast during their early career in the industry. As a duo, Andre and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton have released five multiplatinum albums. After releasing "Idlewild" in 2006, they took a break as a group and have been focusing on their respective solo projects ever since.
Prayers and condolences have been pouring in since news of Sharon's passing broke out. "My condolences go out to Dre, and the entire Benjamin-Hodo family," Jermaine Dupri tweeted. Russell Simmons added, "Prayers for Andre 3000..."
In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are respectfully asked to support The Starlight Camp, a cause close to Sharon's heart, the representative for the family tells Billboard.
