Following the death of the popular drag queen, RuPaul, host of the reality show . RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia.The cause of death is pending an autopsy . Her loss is devastating. Many viewers didn't peg her as a front runner but, as the weeks progressed . Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died aged 34. "Keep me in your prayers, Ill be back soon.". RuPaul has paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was heartbroken to learn of her death. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Family members confirmed DeVayne's death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. People from all around the world were so excited about this season," Hall added. "Our hearts are with all of Chi Chi's loved ones today," GLAAD continued. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. DeVayne described it as a chronic, incurable illness that causes the skin to tighten and thick scar tissues to form around internal organs, impairing their ability to function. So just trying to be a beacon of light in these times has been the main focal point of my platform right now.". DeVayne, who hailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, and Closet, who is from Ramseur, North Carolina, both come from self-proclaimed "humble beginnings." A 65-year-old who dies from COVID-19 might ordinarily have expected to live until 85 - a difference of two decades, or roughly a quarter of the average American's total expected life span at birth. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. [9] The BBC called her lip sync to "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", through which she eliminated fellow contestant Thorgy Thor, "iconic in Drag Race history". At the time of this brief, COVID-19 is on track to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for the third year in a row. [4], DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Chi Chi, real name Zavion Davenport, stole the hearts of viewers the world over after appearing in RuPauls Drag Race season eight and later the third season of Drag Race All Stars. The performer's family confirmed the death Thursday on Instagram but did not . This informed their likability and lovability as fan favorites. Zavion explained that in Shreveport, where he grew up and first made a name for himself locally as a Black drag performer, there was no room to express femininity out of drag, not even by putting on sparkly pink socks. There's no cure for scleroderma, but most people with the condition can lead a full, productive life. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. "I was hopeful that she would come off this because I have a close friend that's going through a similar situation," Hall, 33, said to TODAY. RuPauls Drag Race shifted the landscape of drag, pulling talented queens from their local bars and catapulting them into international stardom. Her future was bright. She was diagnosied with scleroderma back in 2018. Two-time "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Chi Chi DeVayne has died at the age of 34, TheWrap has confirmed.DeVayne, real name Zavion Davenport, was hospitalized last month with an undiagnosed illness. By Stephanie Pappas . This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. [11][23] He reported that the disease had caused him to lose weight and had reduced his capacity to dance in early 2020. At the time, I was working in New Orleans, doing research for the Queer As Folk reboot, for which one of the lead roles was written specifically for Chi Chi. But there was a side to Chi Chi whose non-stage name was Zavion that was very low-key. [7], The finale episode of RuPaul's Drag Race season 13the first to air after DeVayne's deathcontained a tribute segment wherein RuPaul and several former contestants shared memories of DeVayne's life and work. Celeb obsessed? The glamorous star often shared details of performances and travels around the world, as well asbehind-the-scenes footage, on social media. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. If any of my sisters see this and are interested please let me know.". The "RuPaul's Drag Race" family is mourning the loss of one of their own. '", "It shows the impact that we left this year. Most deaths (79.5%) were from causes other than respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Courtesy of YouTube. La drag queen estadounidense Chi Chi DeVayne, ms conocida por su participacin en el programa de televisin "RuPaul's Drag Race", falleci el jueves a los 34 aos de edad. . "I am literally so upset about Chichi!" Chi Chi DeVayne finished in fourth place on Season 8 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and soon began performing around the world. [16] DeVayne then appeared on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which premiered on January 25, 2018. Now today, this is where we are. DeVayne, whose non-stage name was Zavion Davenport, appeared on season eight of the show, as well as season three of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. As the disease progressed, all of the on-stage gymnastics Chi Chi was known for slowly began to slip through her fingers. In July, DeVayne was admitted to the hospital for a biopsy after suspected kidney failure. 2023 BBC. She was 34. Show More Posts from chichidevayneofficial. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. [7] In March 2018, she was a part of Max Emerson's series Drag Babies, which was hosted by Bob the Drag Queen. Zavion (Chi Chi went by both names and flipped between she/her and he/him comfortably) looked boyishly conservative in a backwards hat and high tops, but it was his timid demeanour that surprised me most. According to EW, the artist was recently hospitalized with suspected kidney . It's crazy. 541 posts. Longtime drag queen Miss Coco Peru remembered DeVayne's laugh. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts, and try to work towards being the symbol of kindness that she exemplified for so many. She was 34. Olivia Attwood praises best pal Georgia Harrison as 'brave and dignified' after Stephen Bear jailed for sharing sex tape, Peter Andre reveals strict rule for daughter Princess's career after she teams up with fashion brand, Where cast of Flipper are now - from hilarious run-in with the Queen to Breaking Bad fame & star with 14 kids by 4 mums, Stephen Bears fiance Jessica Smith vows to stick with him 'through thick and thin' after shamed reality star is jailed, Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. CHI CHI DEVAYNE - who was best known for starring in RuPaul's Drag Race - has died at the age of 34 after battling pneumonia in hospital. 08/20/2020. [33][34], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 18:48, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? VH1. Among patients 65 years or older, the pattern was similar, but the risk of death for survivors of . the reality star continued. She may not have won her season, but she won the heart of viewers and became an international star, going on to tour and performing in cities like Rio, Los Angeles and Montreal. The cause of death was not immediately reported. 5 COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in 2020, with an estimated 345 323 deaths, and was largely responsible for the . [24][25] This prompted fans and fellow Drag Race contestants to initiate fundraising efforts for his medical bills. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. DeVayne enjoyed using different shades of purple makeup. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul," he said in a statement, posted on the show's Twitter account. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images) Justin Townes Earle. On what they're doing with their newfound fame, Closet says she's pushing the Black Lives Matter movement towards the forefront of her platform. Zavion Davenport, best known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Chi Chi's lip sync to Dreamgirls' And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going is also considered iconic in Drag Race history. 1,143 following. She was truly a legendary queen. In January 2022, the proportion of deaths with COVID-19 as the underlying cause of death was ~85%. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne has died. comments. I first got to know the Drag Race alum when I reached out as a fan via Instagram. "Well, knowing that she is so similar to me in so many qualities, it just means I'm doing the right thing. The production company World of Wonder, which produces "RuPaul's Drag Race," also confirmed the news on its Twitter account. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Before filming, the incoming Ru-Girls typically incur a massive personal debt to hire designers and buy materials to prepare for the shows gruelling challenges. This season of "Drag Race" premiered only a few weeks before lockdown began, making it impossible for this batch of new queens to really lean into their newfound celebrity. They fled homophobic violence. On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPauls Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy - from our family to hers. Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033. Chi Chi DeVayne is being remembered by her numerous fans. Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul.I love you Chi Chi. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. "Also show that there can be kindness out there in the world, even in these crazy times. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, ChiChi died after being admitted into hospital, Chi Chi is known for RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.. Week after week, she gave the show everything she had: back flips, front flips, lip-synching while twerking in an upside-down handstand. DeVaynes road to stardom began in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. ", English drag queen Cheryl Hole, who appeared on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," tweeted that DeVayne "was such a light during her season and beyond. Tributes have been paid to "kind and beautiful soul" Chi Chi DeVayne after the drag queen's death at the age of 34. Former "Drag Race" contestant Peppermint tweeted a photo of DeVayne. [2] After graduating in 2003, he began performing in drag on the local nightlife scene. In a piece to camera from her hospital bed, Chi Chi said she was going to make herself scarce on social media for a few days. ", A beloved international star,DeVaynebecame a household name for fans of"RuPauls Drag Race." RuPaul (1/2), "On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPauls Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy - from our family to hers." It is thought that Chi Chis condition was a result of a diagnosis she had received in 2018 for scleroderma. She still had so much left to do. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. "Keep me in your prayers," she said in a video message to her fans. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. Drag Race alum Chi Chi Devayne dead at 34. It's crazy. "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". One of the brightest, beloved stars of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' has died. The statement said: "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. The world lost a charismatic, fearless and inimitable star; I lost a dear friend. Chi Chi, whose non-stage name was Zavion Davenport, appeared on season eight of the show, as well as season three of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. This year, the tone of her posts took a turn when the entertainer began giving medical updates. Before, I was just like, 'What's a good job that I could get here in town, working in a factory?'.