A renowned Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has lost her mother.

The mother, Mrs. Grace Ifeoma Adichie died on Monday, March 1, in Awka, Anambra State at the age of 78.

"It was very sudden and we are devastated," a family spokesperson said.

She is survived by her six children: Ijeoma, Uchenna, Chuks, Okechukwu, Chimamanda and Kenechukwu; as well as nine grandchildren, in-law and many relatives.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by her family later.

This comes just months after Chimamanda lost her father.