CNN anchor Sara Sidner and correspondent Stephanie Elam broke down on air while sharing the final message from MTV VJ Ananda Lewis, who died Wednesday following a prolonged battle with breast cancer.

CNN anchor Sara Sidner and CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam tearfully mourned the death of their close friend, former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis.

Lewis died on June 11 after living with stage IV breast cancer for years Ananda Lewis' friends Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner shared an emotional tribute to the late MTV VJ on CNN Elam, who visited with Lewis the day before her death,

In October 2024, the trio sat down to discuss both Sidner’s breast cancer diagnosis and Lewis’ with the correspondent undergoing traditional treatment while the former television personality opted for a more holistic approach.

Elam shared a final text message from Lewis to her, saying, “This is part of the text she sent me: ‘You know my feelings on this. We all go. These bodies are on loan and must be returned. We come in love and choose to leave it with love as well.’ And then she goes on to say, ‘I love you, my wonderful lifelong bestie of besties.’”

The passing of Ananda Lewis has been felt throughout the industry, with CNN correspondents — and Ananda’s good friends — Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, taking to the air Thursday (June 12) to tribute their late friend.

Ananda Lewis, the popular TV personality who hosted MTV‘s Total Request Live and Hot Zone, has died at age 52.