Love RuPaul's Drag Race? Canada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died at the age of 34. "I loved Chi Chi and I always told her so because… how could you not? Ill be back soon.. She had me in gymnastics, and I was in a dance company in my twenties. The reality show catapulted her career and brand. The reality star was wearing a hospital gown during her latest Instagram update. 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. "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. Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images. People from all around the world were so excited about this season," Hall added. rest in power.". This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Later in 2018 DeVayne was diagnosed with scleroderma, a condition that attacks the internal organs. There's no cure for scleroderma, but most people with the condition can lead a full, productive life. Basically my biggest platform right now is to share love and joy to other people," she said. DeVayne, whose given name was Zavion Davenport, told Instagram followers last week she was back in the hospital. She was 34. Unfortunately, fan favorite Chi Chi DeVayne -- arguably the best performer out of this season's crop of girls -- didn't make the cut. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 480K followers. Days ago, DeVayne posted a brief video from a hospital bed after being readmitted due to pneumonia. [7] Many fellow Drag Race contestants also expressed condolences; these included Aja, Alexis Mateo, Alexis Michelle,[22] Aquaria,[10] BeBe Zahara Benet,[22] Bianca Del Rio,[10] Cheryl Hole,[7] Detox,[27] Farrah Moan,[22] Heidi N Closet,[21] India Ferrah,[22] Jaida Essence Hall,[29] Kennedy Davenport, Mont X Change, Nina Bo'nina Brown, Ongina, Pandora Boxx,[22] Peppermint,[7][25] Priyanka,[22] Roxxxy Andrews,[21] Shea Coule,[22][25] Tatianna,[27] Trinity the Tuck,[7] Trixie Mattel[10] and The Vivienne. DeVayne is the second Drag Race contestant to have died since the shows 2009 inception. Chi Chi DeVayne starred on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2018. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? I was always a little performer. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. My uncle used to stage talent shows with all us cousins, and my mom saw something in me. Age: 86. Her loyal fan base amounted to 491K on Instagram following her television appearances which rocketed her to a new height of fame. Her drag mothers were Kourtni DeVayne and Lady Phat Kat. "I wish there was more I could do to help out her family in her honor or something. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne has died, production company World of Wonder confirmed. [22] In a memorial post, GLAAD called DeVayne "an incredible performer and such a bright light". Updated 22:41, 20 Aug 2020. Most deaths (79.5%) were from causes other than respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Drag Race fans have been left saddened by the news that drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne died on Thursday, August 20. Drag Race star hospitalised with suspected kidney failure, RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne fights pneumonia in hospital, The TV personality, 34, begged fans to keep her in their prayers while she continued her fight against pneumonia, Chi Chi cemented her status as an international star. Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved drag queen who shot to fame on the " RuPaul's Drag Race " franchise, died Thursday in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. RuPaul, responding to news of DeVayne's death on Twitter[21][22], Davenport was openly gay. The star also competed in the third series of the All Stars version of the series. She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. Family members confirmed DeVaynes death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. Former "Drag Race" contestant Peppermint tweeted a photo of DeVayne. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died aged 34. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. Zavion Michael Davenport (September 24, 1985 August 20, 2020), better known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, was an American drag queen and reality television personality who came to international attention on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. If that's not outstanding and show the power of what television can do for people, I don't know what else can.". ", "Absolutely," Closet, 24, agreed. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images) Justin Townes Earle. There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity. VH1. So much joy so much light. The death of DeVayne is just another rough moment for 2020. Rest in Power! Cause of death: Complications from COVID-19. [24] Four weeks later, Davenport was readmitted to the hospital with pneumonia. 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. Competing on Drag Race Season 8, and then again in the All-Stars Season 3, finally allowed Chi Chi to support herself full-time as a drag artist (as well as supporting some of her friends and family). "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. Among patients 65 years or older, the pattern was similar, but the risk of death for survivors of . '", "It shows the impact that we left this year. She spoke openly about her struggles, becoming an advocate for Scleroderma awareness, and she vowed to switch up her drag, adapting to the limitations of her own body. The performer's family confirmed the death Thursday on Instagram but did not . ", So much joy so much light. Her loss is devastating. A previous version of this story was first published in TODAY.com. 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. Chi Chi was the OG Unconventional Materials Queen who could literally spin trash into treasure and who gifted us with the greatest, most heartfelt, lip sync of all time with Jennifer Hollidays And I Am Telling You Im Not Going.. But, as her health deteriorated and her fans grew increasingly concerned, she couldnt keep quiet any longer. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. Published on September 20, 2020 11:20 PM. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne has died, production company World of Wonder confirmed. The condition sees the immune system attack the tissue under the skin as well as around internal organs and blood vessels. Many contestants from the show in years past begin touring right away, but that was impossible this year. The entertainer, whose real name was . More info. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne begged for prayers from her hospital bed. Earlier this year, Chi Chi lip-synched in the final scene of an episode I made for the anthology series Little America, called The Son. She fought through her pain at the time to deliver a chilling performance that shook the entire cast and crew. DeVayne has died at age 34. Her talent was incomparable. She had completely surprised herself. [6] In her early days as a drag entertainer, she was a regular performer at the Central Station nightclub in Shreveport, where she became known for her backflips. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. [11] DeVayne made it to the top four but was eliminated before Kim Chi and Naomi Smalls; Bob the Drag Queen won the crown. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. She gushed about the season's popularity, explaining, "So many people even in my family! 5 COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in 2020, with an estimated 345 323 deaths, and was largely responsible for the . Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? Chi Chi DeVayne dead: RuPaul's Drag Race star dies aged 34; The glamorous star often shared details of performances and travels around the world, as well asbehind-the-scenes footage, on social media. She was 34. Check out these locals who made it on reality tv shows. She was previously treated in July for suspected kidney failure. So just trying to be a beacon of light in these times has been the main focal point of my platform right now.". [16] DeVayne then appeared on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which premiered on January 25, 2018. We were sitting at home during our season, watching along with them, and it gave us that time to talk and chat with them and really make those connections. [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". [24][25] This prompted fans and fellow Drag Race contestants to initiate fundraising efforts for his medical bills. Backflips and drop splits were now out of the question even just putting on a pair of tights or getting on stage was sometimes a struggle. 2023 BBC. Chi Chi lived with a rare condition called Scleroderma. The symptoms of scleroderma can usually be controlled by a range of different treatments. 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. Im heartbroken. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she had catheters to her heart and kidneys surgically installed before undergoing dialysis treatment. When she walked through the door, she was nothing like I expected. Everything has turned in a different direction. Rest in Power. The death of DeVayne is just another rough moment for 2020. [17] She was eliminated in the fourth episode,[18] originally placing seventh, but she ultimately finished eighth after Morgan McMichaels returned to the competition. "I think it's given us a closer connection to the fans because they they've been so active with us online," Closet said. Chi Chi got to shine in the spotlight, only because Zavion was so dedicated to building her in private, while juggling two jobs in the service industry. Audiences packed into the Central Station nightclub to cheer her on, in hopes she would deliver on hersignature backflips. The top global causes of death, in order of total number of lives lost, are associated with three broad topics: cardiovascular (ischaemic heart disease, stroke), respiratory (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections) and neonatal conditions - which include birth asphyxia and birth trauma, neonatal sepsis and infections, and preterm birth complications. hi Chi DeVayne, an entertainer who competed on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," died at age 34, his mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN. This season of "Drag Race" premiered only a few weeks before lockdown began, making it impossible for this batch of new queens to really . Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high . A heartbroken RuPaul offered condolences in a statement posted to Twitter Thursday, saying DeVayne would be dearly missed, but never forgotten., I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul, the statement continued. With so many people sitting at home, some people have no jobs People are really struggling. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. View our online Press Pack. Ru Paul paid tribute to Chi Chi DeVayne's "kind and beautiful soul", Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. She was 34 years old. She was 34 . Followers of the 34-year-old star are shocked to hear of her sad passing - here is what we know. 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. 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. Chi Chi DeVayne performs onstage during the RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 Finale Party at Stage 48 on May 16, 2016, in New York City. pic.twitter.com/ijeOsTrT3g, Davenport was born in Shreveport in 1985 and grew up studying classical dance. I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. One user wrote: "chi chi devayne was a powerhouse. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. We bonded, ultimately, over a shared love of witchcraft (She had often wondered if she was a witch a trait that skipped a generation in her family). Chi Chi was the dark-horse this season, walking through the doors in the first episode in a dress literally made out of garbage bags. RuPaul is paying tribute to Drag Race queen Chi Chi Devayne, who died at the age of 34 in August. Julie Newmar, and the surname DeVayne came from the DeVayne drag family of Shreveport. 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. 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. I love you Chi Chi. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.. Now today, this is where we are. Day 22: This is the median amount of days it takes for COVID-19 survivors to be released from hospital. "Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul. 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. RuPaul's Drag Race's Chi Chi DeVayne made a plea to fans to pray for her while she battled with pneumonia in a hospital bed. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. pic.twitter.com/pOLjEN5pPJ. She was lovable because she loved. "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. Drag Race star disqualified after catfishing claims, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. "Keep me in your prayers," she said in a video message to her fans. We became fast friends, and our friendship deepened as we travelled from New Orleans, Chicago and L.A. to Montreal together, while working on various projects, both independently and together. Ill never forget our first hang at a terrible lobster bar off Bourbon Street. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. She was 34. DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything!Julie Newmar, and the surname DeVayne came from the DeVayne drag family of Shreveport. Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved drag queen who shot to fame on the RuPauls Drag Race franchise, died Thursday in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. "I am literally so upset about Chichi!" The TV personality, 34, returned to hospital with pneumonia just days ago after she had a short stay with . Chi Chi became well known after competing on the eighth series RuPaul's Drag Race. The classically trained dancer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was 34. [3] In 2018, he was diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune condition. The cause of death was not immediately reported. The American drag queen, real name Zavion Davenport, revealed that while she'd tested negative . Fans of Chi Chi have since taken to social media to pay tribute. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. 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. The drag queen, whose real name was . youtu.be/0D9LWfp89QQ. [11][25] Two days later, he posted an update on social media, saying, "I let it go too long without going to the doctor, and these are the consequences". "I'll be back soon. DON'T MISSCanada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? You can unsubscribe at any time. Chi Chi DeVayne Dead: 5 Things About The 'RuPaul's Drag Race Star' Who Tragically Passed Away At 34. The date and cause of death were not . The official account for RuPaul's Drag Race also paid tribute with a statement from RuPaul. RuPaul paid tribute to DeVayne, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. "Im heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne," "Drag Race" judge Ross Matthews wrote on Twitter Thursday. Mortality in the most affected countries. The show's host RuPaul mourned her passing. Another wrote: "The legacy that chi chi has left in our community is everlasting. Chi Chi was the OG Unconventional Materials Queen who could literally spin trash into treasure and who gifted us with the greatest, most heartfelt . Her loss is devastating. Chi Chi DeVayne finished in fourth place on Season 8 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and soon began performing around the world. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Table also presents leading causes of death in the US for the years 2015 to 2020. GLAAD remembered DeVayne as "an incredible performer and such a bright light" in a tweet Thursday. World Health Organization Coronavirus disease situation dashboard presents official daily counts of COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide, along with vaccination rates and other vaccination data, while providing a hub to other resources. Following the news of DeVayne's death, many took to social media to express their condolences. DeVayne was one of the most popular contestants on RuPaul's Drag Race TV show. 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. Covid-19 Response Fund Donate In China , from 3 January 2020 to 6:06pm CET, 28 February 2023 , there have been 99,030,129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 119,865 deaths , reported to WHO. DeVayne, who hailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, and Closet, who is from Ramseur, North Carolina, both come from self-proclaimed "humble beginnings." RuPaul shares "the biggest lesson I learned" on "RuPaul," a daytime talk show airing in seven markets around the U.S. for three weeks. On Thursday (August 20), news broke that fan-favorite RuPaul's Drag Race queen Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on season 8 of the show and on season . It is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". During his acceptance speech for outstanding host for a . ", "In Memory of Chi Chi DeVayne and Her Everlasting Legacy", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chi_Chi_DeVayne&oldid=1141950824, This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 18:48. I remember when I first met her, she came to me and she gave me amazing advice about how to deal with everything that was about to happen with being on the show. 480k Followers, 1,143 Following, 541 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial) chichidevayneofficial. But also, that desperate desire for connection has made "Drag Race" an even brighter rhinestone in the dark. Scleroderma is a rare and incurable autoimmune disorder that causes a tightening of the skin and joints and a hardening of the internal organs. She had driven the entire day from her home in Shreveport. Zavion Davenport, best known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. It comes after she was hospitalised with pneumonia last week where she asked fans . This trend was seen among both younger (aged <65 years) and older adults (aged 65 years) ( Figure 11 ). Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she was to undergo dialysis treatment. In a heartfelt and labored message, DeVayne addressed fans: Keep me in prayers. I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul, he said in a statement, posted on the shows Twitter page. On Thursday, after being hospitalized for several days, Chi Chi died of pneumonia at age 34. Other RuPauls Drag Race veterans, including Peppermint and Sasha Velour, expressed their sympathy on social media. Chi Chi DeVayne is being remembered by her numerous fans. Originally she went into hospital with a suspected kidney failure and she was discharged days later in July. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, revealed in early . Something went wrong, please try again later. The "RuPaul's Drag Race" family is mourning the loss of one of their own. "Her laugh alone was enough to win my heart, but there was so much to her that won me over," she wrote on Twitter. in 2016. She served as a drag mentor alongside Peppermint and Shuga Cain. [4], DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! That charismatic personality and fearlessness we all saw on TV was noticeably muted out of drag. "she started with nothing and never gave up. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all., Chi Chi DeVaynes light will shine forever in all of our hearts. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Chi Chi DeVayne has died of pneumonia. She was discharged later that month, but went back to hospital again last week - this time, she said, for pneumonia. Gone much too soon. Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved star of the hit VH1 reality series "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died. "She was a TRUE STAR and her legacy will live on forever.". Chi Chi DeVayne, a popular contestant from the competition reality series "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died following a recent hospitalization for pneumonia. The production company World of Wonder, which produces "RuPaul's Drag Race," also confirmed the news on its Twitter account. It's so entertaining, and the entertainment value from the show is just one of those things that we really, really needed in a time when people were just locked away at home.". 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. People are battling anxiety and depression right now. "It comes back to us both coming from humble beginnings, and it's hard to see her go, but I know she will live on forever.". RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 release date: When will it air. The cause of death was not immediately reported. [7] In March 2018, she was a part of Max Emerson's series Drag Babies, which was hosted by Bob the Drag Queen. TheShreverport Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, confirmed the news Thursday with Joe Patterson, the manager of Louisiana's Central Station nightclub, who is in communication with the family. 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. Looking back on this season and looking forwarding to the 2020 Emmys where the show is nominated for 13 awards, including outstanding competition and outstanding host, Hall says the show is deserving now more than ever despite coronavirus or any drama that happened at the start of the twelfth season. Follow. RuPaul, the television personality for . Courtesy of YouTube. Former contestants and fans of the show also paid tribute to DeVayne. "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.