Khadijah Farrakhan, the wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and a respected figure within the organisation for more than seven decades, has died at the age of 90.

The Nation of Islam confirmed that she passed away on Saturday, though the cause of death has not been made public.

In a statement shared through the organisation's Shura Executive Council, Louis Farrakhan announced his wife's passing with ‘deep sadness’ while expressing gratitude for her life and faith.

He described Khadijah as a steadfast companion who remained by his side throughout their 72-year marriage and decades of religious leadership.

Born Betsy Ross on November 26, 1935, Khadijah married Louis Walcott in Boston in September 1953.

The couple embraced the teachings of the Nation of Islam two years later, after being inspired by Malcolm X, and subsequently adopted the names by which they became widely known. Together, they raised nine children, although two of their sons: Louis Farrakhan Jr and Joshua Farrakhan, died in 2018 and 2023, respectively.

While Louis Farrakhan became the public face of the Nation of Islam, Khadijah carved out her own place within the movement.

Often referred to as its ‘First Lady,’ she supported community initiatives and women's programmes while remaining a trusted presence behind the scenes.

She also made occasional public appearances, including a notable speech at the 1997 Million Woman March in Philadelphia, where she called on Black women to strengthen families and communities through unity and leadership.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in from across the Nation of Islam.

Mosque Maryam, the organisation's headquarters in Chicago, remembered her as a woman of deep faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment, praising her quiet influence and lifelong service.

Khadijah Farrakhan had recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Her death marks the end of a partnership that shaped the Nation of Islam for generations, with supporters remembering her as a devoted wife, mother, and spiritual figure whose influence extended well beyond the public eye.