Following the death of the popular drag queen, RuPaul, host of the reality show . 08/20/2020. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. RuPaul, the host of the eponymous reality show, remembered DeVayne in a statement provided to USA TODAY on Thursday. I love you Chi Chi. Aug 21, 2020, 04:25 PM EDT. Sahara Davenport, who appeared on the shows second season, died in 2012 at age 27. "Well, knowing that she is so similar to me in so many qualities, it just means I'm doing the right thing. Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. Chi Chi was cautious around me at first because I was white (she described a strong cultural divide in Shreveport). She was an easy person to like: someone who found pleasure in surprisingly down-to-earth things like gardening and her cat, Maddox, whom she would watch on her security cam when she was out of town. Published on September 20, 2020 11:20 PM. Rest in Power pic.twitter.com/a69JK8wvvT. Day 22: This is the median amount of days it takes for COVID-19 survivors to be released from hospital. As I sat across the table, I remember how perplexed he was by my sparkly pink socks. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which Part of HuffPost Entertainment. 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.. 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. Days ago, DeVayne posted a brief video from a hospital bed after being readmitted due to pneumonia. He had a sister, Brittany; a brother, DaRico Wyandon; and two half-brothers, Zachary and Zamien Willis. DeVayne has died at age 34. "May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. "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. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she was to undergo dialysis treatment. 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. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne . Another wrote: "The legacy that chi chi has left in our community is everlasting. 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. Her heart was big. She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. As Chi Chi DeVayne, the performer rose to national prominence on Season 8 of RuPauls Drag Race in 2016, returning two years later for RuPauls Drag Race: All-Stars. Earlier this year, she appeared on the Apple TV+ series Little America., She spoke of her interest in branching out into a variety of artistic mediums in a 2016 interview with HuffPost, saying she ultimately wanted to be known as a damn good performer that came from nowhere and took the world by storm., I think people are becoming more receptive to the alternative styles of drag, she said. 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). please check our, Week after week, she gave the show everything she had: back flips, front flips, lip-synching while twerking in an upside-down, A post shared by Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial), A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn). 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. 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. Chi Chi DeVayne is being remembered by her numerous fans. Just informed that zavion aka chi chi devayne has passed away rest in no more pain, no more worry and no more sorrow #chichidevayne #rip #rupaulsdragrace #canadasdragrace #dragqueen #rupaul #makeup #mua #makeupslaves #makeupvideo #makeupideas #makeupgeek pic.twitter.com/CdV3KBsW1v, MORE : RuPaul heartbroken after Drag Race star Chi Chi Devaynes death as she pens emotional tribute. She was 34. Everything has turned in a different direction. Chi Chi DeVayne Dead: 5 Things About The 'RuPaul's Drag Race Star' Who Tragically Passed Away At 34. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. View our online Press Pack. 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. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The date and cause of death were not . "Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met.". Chi Chi, who was 34, revealed to fans on Instagram earlier this month that she had contracted pneumonia . 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. Ru Paul paid tribute to Chi Chi DeVayne's "kind and beautiful soul", Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. [17] She was eliminated in the fourth episode,[18] originally placing seventh, but she ultimately finished eighth after Morgan McMichaels returned to the competition. [33][34], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 18:48, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! she has inspired so many and she has changed this community forever. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Kelsey Grammer refuses to apologise for religious beliefs: Jesus has made a difference in my life, New mum Kelly Osbourne shares first photo of baby son Sidney as he hangs out with fun uncle Jack, Ron Jeremys sister wants him to be placed under a conservatorship amid rape trial ruling due to dementia, Bruce Willis, 67, spotted for first time as he steps out for coffee in Santa Monica after sharing dementia diagnosis, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, RuPaul heartbroken after Drag Race star Chi Chi Devaynes death as she pens emotional tribute, Do not sell or share my personal information. ", "She always showed how being humble, honest and your true authentic self will get you far!" Julie Newmar, "Chi Chi DeVayne, Popular 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant, Dies at 34", "Chi Chi DeVayne was wounded, but Drag Race helped her heal", "Sashay Away: Chi Chi DeVayne on Country Swag, Southern Drag, and Getting Paid", "You Have to See Chi Chi DeVayne Make the Case For Purple Makeup", "RuPaul's Drag Race season 8 queens and premiere date revealed", "Last Words: Chi Chi DeVayne Reflects On Her Time On 'RuPaul's Drag Race', "RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne dead aged 34", "Chi Chi DeVayne talks life-changing 'Drag Race' experience", "Chi Chi DeVayne launches holiday tour before RuPaul Drag Race All Stars", "Instagram Star Max Emerson's "Drag Babies" Set to Premiere", "Chi Chi DeVayne Dies: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum Zavion Davenport Was 34", "RuPaul and More React to the Death of 'Drag Race' Star Chi Chi DeVayne", "RuPaul's Drag Race royalty Chi Chi DeVayne has been rushed to hospital with suspected kidney failure", "Chi Chi DeVayne 'Overwhelmed' by 'Outpouring of Love' Since Being Hospitalised", "RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne readmitted to hospital following pneumonia diagnosis", "RuPaul's Drag Race stars pay heartfelt, tender tribute to the late, great Chi Chi DeVayne: 'Rest in perfection', "RuPaul's Drag Race Fans Moved To Tears By Beautiful Chi Chi DeVayne Tribute", "Queer as Folk creator on how late Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne inspired reboot", "Check Out Chi Chi DeVayne in the First Trailer for Apple TV+ Series 'Little America', "World of Wonder release The Realness video featuring the late Chi Chi DeVayne", "Ginger Minj serves 'Gummy Bear' realness in new video for her, "LA Revival of 'Women Behind Bars' Release Their First Cinematic Trailer! She was 34. In a series of Instagram videos, DeVayne said she had tested negative for COVID-19 but was believed to be suffering kidney failure."I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi . DeVayne, whose off-stage name was Zavion Davenport told . August 20, 2020 2:55pm. 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. 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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. At the individual level, CDC estimates that in February and March of 2022 unvaccinated people were 10 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than people vaccinated with at least a primary series, on an age . When I tell you I come from the streets, I'm not kidding. She explained earlier on: "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". RuPauls Drag Race shifted the landscape of drag, pulling talented queens from their local bars and catapulting them into international stardom. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images/TNS) Santiago . Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Yesterday, a source confirmed to Entertainment Weekly, the drag queen has sadly died, aged just 34. Follow NBC Out on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. "Honestly, because we were there when drama did happen at the beginning of the season, I was like, 'Oh girl, this is still gonna be a great season,' because we knew the work that we poured into it," she explained. 480k Followers, 1,143 Following, 541 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial) chichidevayneofficial. Its just showing people that it doesnt matter drag is drag and your talent is whats going to carry you through.. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Read about our approach to external linking. She served as a drag mentor alongside Peppermint and Shuga Cain. Season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall and Miss Congeniality winner Heidi N Closet sat down with TODAY to reflect on this life-changing last year. There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity. 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.". "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". That has definitely been a plus for us.". Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. RuPaul paid tribute to DeVayne, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. [25][26] During that time, he made his final social media post, a video asking fans to keep him in their prayers and promising to "be back soon". You can unsubscribe at any time. A previous version of this story was first published in TODAY.com. Chi Chi, who's real name was Zavion Davenport, died amid a battle with pneumonia, although the exact cause of death has not been revealed. Rest in Power. In her early days as a drag entertainer, she was a regular performer at the . She had driven the entire day from her home in Shreveport. Day 15: Acute kidney and cardiac injury becomes evident. Rest in Power! She was 34. [4], DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! CHI CHI DeVayne's death has left fans of RuPaul's Drag Race in mourning. It is thought that Chi Chis condition was a result of a diagnosis she had received in 2018 for scleroderma. COVID-19-related MODS had a median time from ICU admission to death of 14 days (25th-75th IQR: 7-19 days), while only one death had occurred during the first 3 days since ICU admission. [7], DeVayne competed on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, which began airing on March 7, 2016. Zavion Michael Davenport was born on September 24, 1985, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Alberteen Wyandon and Zan Davenport III. 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. Kyne reveals all, Chi Chi DeVayne dead: Fans have paid tribute to Chi Chi on social media. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. According to EW, the artist was recently hospitalized with suspected kidney . in 2016. RuPaul has paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was heartbroken to learn of her death. ", Bianca Del Rio 'daunted, excited' for Wembley gig. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.. She was 34 years old. She still had so much left to do. [30][31][32] In 2022, director Stephen Dunn announced that DeVayne was meant to play the character Bussy on Queer as Folk, but she was replaced by Armand Fields after she died. "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. Family members confirmed DeVayne's death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. 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. "We're heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today," wrote World of Wonder. My father was like, 'I really look forward to Fridays now. DeVayne, who hailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, and Closet, who is from Ramseur, North Carolina, both come from self-proclaimed "humble beginnings." rest in power". [3] In an interview on RuPaul's Drag Race, he said, "Girl, I've seen people shot. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT. [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. 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. But, a scleroderma diagnosis in 2018 created further division between Chi Chi and Zavion. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. closed in 2021. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61. Most deaths (79.5%) were from causes other than respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia.The cause of death is pending an autopsy . She was taken to hospital in July - she told her followers on Instagram it was for kidney failure. The stars family said in a statement: It is with tremendous sorrow that my family and I announce the passing of my beloved son, Zavion Michael Davenport, the world renowned Chi Chi DeVayne, His final words to his family and fans, Never Give Up!. 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. Now Trump proposals threaten their hopes of U.S. asylum. 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. RuPaul is paying tribute to Drag Race queen Chi Chi Devayne, who died at the age of 34 in August. Chi Chi DeVayne, season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Chi Chi DeVayne has died of pneumonia. She finished in fourth place, but was invited to take part in the spin-off show RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which aired at the beginning of 2018. Unfortunately, fan favorite Chi Chi DeVayne -- arguably the best performer out of this season's crop of girls -- didn't make the cut. Zavion Davenport, best known as Chi Chi DeVayne, has died at age 34, Zavion's mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN . [16] DeVayne then appeared on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which premiered on January 25, 2018. Covid-19 was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. last year, with only heart disease and cancer killing more people, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control . The statement said: "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. Im thinking we should do a benefit show for her family to help with the costs of her funeral. She was previously treated in July for suspected kidney failure. "Our hearts are with all of Chi Chi's loved ones today," GLAAD continued. But when Chi Chi DeVayne, the luminescent swamp-queen from Shreveport, La., first emerged into the werkroom in 2016, wearing a garbage bag shed sculpted with her own hands into a gorgeous couture gown, she made a powerful statement: It doesnt matter what you have or where you come from, its what you do with it that counts On Thursday, after being hospitalized for several days, Chi Chi died of pneumonia at age 34. "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. 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. Drag Race alum Chi Chi Devayne dead at 34. Per Variety, season 12 of RuPauls Drag Race was the highest rated season in the shows history. Chi Chi was constantly discouraged from going public about her condition for fear it would limit bookings. On Thursday, after being hospitalized for several days, Chi Chi died of pneumonia at age 34. Aug. 20, 2020 6:13 PM PT. The date and cause of death were not . The talented drag star is thought to have passed away due to complications from pneumonia. The symptoms of scleroderma can usually be controlled by a range of different treatments. She posted on Instagram last week that she was in hospital for a chronic condition - the second time this year. Chi Chi DeVayne is being remembered by her numerous fans. DeVayne is the second Drag Race contestant to have died since the shows 2009 inception. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. "I wish there was more I could do to help out her family in her honor or something. Season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall and Miss Congeniality winner Heidi N Closet sat down with TODAY to reflect on this life-changing last year. Fatal ischemic events (venous or arterial) occurred in 13% of the cases. she wrote onTwitterThursday. Canada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? DeVayne enjoyed using different shades of purple makeup. But there was a side to Chi Chi whose non-stage name was Zavion that was very low-key. She was a star & without her the world has less sparkle. Her drag mothers were Kourtni DeVayne and Lady Phat Kat. DeVayne, real name Zavion Davenport, was hospitalized last month with an . The cause of death was not immediately reported. And this shows in the numbers. Her future was bright. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? rest in power.". COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective against severe disease and death, even as new variants, including Omicron, have emerged. She was lovable because she loved. With so many people sitting at home, some people have no jobs People are really struggling. I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. pic.twitter.com/pOLjEN5pPJ. RuPaul shares "the biggest lesson I learned" on "RuPaul," a daytime talk show airing in seven markets around the U.S. for three weeks. Chi Chi's lip sync to Dreamgirls' And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going is also considered iconic in Drag Race history. The death of DeVayne is just another rough moment for 2020. Known offstage as Zavion Davenport, DeVayne was remembered by peers as "a caring, empathetic and beautiful soul.". Some fans have drawn a comparison between DeVayne and Closet, not only because of their lip-synching talents but also because of their origin stories. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne has died, production company World of Wonder confirmed. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? [10] Out dubbed the performance one of the series' best lip syncs. Her death comes after the Drag Race star was hospitalised last week with the lung disease. This season of "Drag Race" premiered only a few weeks before lockdown began, making it impossible for this batch of new queens to really . DON'T MISSCanada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? Chi Chi DeVayne The RuPaul's Drag Race alum died at age 34 after battling pneumonia, scleroderma and other health problems. But, as her health deteriorated and her fans grew increasingly concerned, she couldnt keep quiet any longer. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The symptoms of scleroderma can usually be controlled by a range of different treatments. Longtime drag queen Miss Coco Peru remembered DeVayne's laugh.