RuPaul Leads Chi Chi DeVayne Tributes After Drag Star's Death: 'Kind and Beautiful Soul'
Performers and Drag Queens the world over are paying tribute to late RuPaul's Drag Race Star Chi Chi DeVayne who has died at the age of 34.
DeVayne, whose off-stage name was Zavion Davenport told fans last week that she was in hospital a second time this year for a chronic condition.
Louisiana-born Chic Chi was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2018, an autoimmune disease that causes the body's connective tissues to scar and harden.
Chi Chi appeared on two series of the hit reality show, in 2016 and 2018 and was known for her show-stopping lip-synch performances and ability to create drag looks on a shoestring.
A statement from the star's family described their "tremendous sorrow" at the loss and added that her "final words to family and fans [were] 'never give up'".
World of Wonder, the production company that makes RuPaul's Drag Race, released a statement saying they were "heartbroken" to hear of the news.
"We're heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today," the statement reads. Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met," the company said. "Rest in power, Chi Chi."
High profile queens from Drag Race have been sharing their memories of their sister Chi Chi, with everyone from Kennedy Davenport and Bob the Drag Queen to Bianca Del Rio and Aquarius honoring the late performer.
RuPaul Charles
Leading the tributes is host of the eponymous series, RuPaul Charles, who tweeted: "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all."
"I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne.
— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 20, 2020
I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul.
She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all." –RuPaul (1/2) pic.twitter.com/iN3oT3R2dG
Kennedy Davenport
Kennedy Davenport said her heart was "broken into [pieces]" at the loss of her friend and drag sister.
Im so num right now my heart is broken into peaces.. I couldnt even got see her. 😪😪 I love you always chichi. My dancing angel..
— Kennedy Davenport (@kennedyddoftx) August 20, 2020
Shea Couleé
Winner of the most recent series of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, Shea Couleé said: "I'm devastated and sick to my stomach. Wake me up when it's all over."
I’m literally so devastated and sick to my stomach. Wake me up when it’s all over 💔
— Shea Couleé (@SheaCoulee) August 20, 2020
Carlton Morton
One of the stars of Netflix's Love is Blind Carlton Morton paid tribute to Chi Chi, who he used to be in a relationship with.
"I will miss you insanely, Zavion Michael Davenport. We spoke a few weeks ago and we joked like always. You were one of my first boyfriends even when I didn't understand what that meant," Morton wrote on Instagram.
He added: "Above anything else, you were one of my BEST friends EVER. No more pain man. Please pray for his family and friends. Gone too soon."
Trixie Mattel
❤️❤️❤️ an iconic queen literally everyone in our industry will always love. pic.twitter.com/UspJ3KzQaC
— Trixie Mattel (@trixiemattel) August 20, 2020
Katya
RIP angel 🙏🏻 https://t.co/FVxys8481i
— Katya (@katya_zamo) August 20, 2020
Bob the Drag Queen
Kim Chi
Bianca Del Rio
— Bianca Del Rio (@TheBiancaDelRio) August 20, 2020
The Vixen
When I first saw Chichi on tv it made me believe that one day I could be there too. I first met her as a fan and I burst into tears. She hugged me, then we smoked!😉 We’ve traveled together a lot since then. it’s an honor to call her sister. Zavion will forever be missed.😔 pic.twitter.com/JTK3eRKzVF
— The Vixen (@TheVixensworld) August 20, 2020
GLAAD
We're devastated to hear the news about Chi Chi DeVayne, an incredible performer and such a bright light. Our hearts are with all of Chi Chi's loved ones today. 💔https://t.co/8gmgAYPPZ3
— GLAAD (@glaad) August 20, 2020
Farrah Moan
Chichi was hands down one of my favorite queens to work with. I first met her right after filming s9. We smoked the fattest blunt & she gave me amazing advice I’ll never forget. All my memories with her from the Xmas tours will be in my heart forever. Rest in power sweet angel 😞
— 👑 Farrah Moan (@farrahrized) August 20, 2020
Baga Chipz
Chi Chi was so kind to me. At a time I was really low. I’m just sat here in tears. R.I.P you beautiful angel.
— Baga Chipz (@ChipShopBird) August 20, 2020
Cheryl Hole
Chi Chi Devayne was such a light during her season and beyond. She always showed how being humble, honest and your true authentic self will get you far! She was a TRUE STAR and her legacy will live on forever #RIPChiChiDevayne 🌹 pic.twitter.com/Q0VGgyCngr
— Cheryl Hole (@CherylHoleQueen) August 20, 2020
Peppermint
So much joy so much light. Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul.
— Peppermint (@Peppermint247) August 20, 2020
I love you Chi Chi. Rest in Power pic.twitter.com/a69JK8wvvT
Padma Lakshmi
So deeply sad about the loss of Chi Chi DeVayne. She was an incredible performer, so down to earth and a bright light in the drag community.
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) August 20, 2020
She brought such Louisiana warmth & personality to @RuPaulsDragRace & I'm sure inspired countless young people in the LGBTQ community. pic.twitter.com/PmcALwLRFF
Ross Matthews
I’m heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne. She had a natural, God-given light within her & she shared it with all of us on Drag Race. She was a star & without her the world has less sparkle. I’m sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. ❤️
— Ross Mathews (@helloross) August 20, 2020
BeBe Zahara Benet
Chi Chi 💔 My heart is breaking. You were such a light, a rare talent, a kind and generous spirit and a force of nature on the stage. Rest well, sister. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/XRkxnjzisq
— BeBe Black Lives Matter Benet (@BeBeZaharaBenet) August 20, 2020
Manila Luzon
She always makes me smile! such a great entertainer! We’ll miss you Chi Chi pic.twitter.com/uVuceUTt1L
— Manila Luzon (@manilaluzon) August 21, 2020
Aquaria
❤️ Chi Chi was truly one of the most supportive queens. 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. We all love you and will miss you. pic.twitter.com/pOLjEN5pPJ
— Aquaria 🤌🏼 (@aquariaofficial) August 20, 2020
Trinity The Tuck
I am literally so upset about Chichi! I wish there was more I could do to help out her family in her honor or something. I’m thinking we should do a benefit show for her family to help with the costs of her funeral.
— Trinity The Tuck (@TrinityTheTuck) August 20, 2020
