Rihanna Mourns Death Of 11-Year-Old ‘Lion King’ Star

Rihanna is expressing her grief over the death of 11-year-old Broadway singer Shannon Tavarez.

“Just got off of a plane ride and got horrible news that our little star Shannon Taverez has lost her battle against leukemia!,” the singer Tweeted Tuesday night.

Adding in another Tweet, “Way too soon…keep her family in your prayers.”

Tavarez, who Rihanna befriended, performed in “The Lion King” on Broadway. She was diagnosed with leukemia last April and died on Monday. The Minskoff Theatre in New York City, where Tavarez performed as Young Nala, dimmed its lights in honor of the 11-year-old on Tuesday night.

In addition to Rihanna, Tavarez became friends with Alicia Keys and 50 Cent.