Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. RuPaul returns to daytime TV for summer test run. [33] Dunn stated that he set the series in New Orleans due to his longtime friendship with DeVayne. Published on September 20, 2020 11:20 PM. There's no cure for scleroderma, but most people with the condition can lead a full, productive life. 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 . The reality show catapulted her career and brand. 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. Aug 21, 2020, 04:25 PM EDT. Cause of death: COVID-19-related complications. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne," said the host. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all., Chi Chi DeVaynes light will shine forever in all of our hearts. Chi Chi DeVayne finished in fourth place on Season 8 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and soon began performing around the world. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. People are battling anxiety and depression right now. in 2016. Scleroderma is a rare and incurable autoimmune disorder that causes a tightening of the skin and joints and a hardening of the internal organs. DeVayne, who hailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, and Closet, who is from Ramseur, North Carolina, both come from self-proclaimed "humble beginnings." RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne begged for prayers from her hospital bed. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, ChiChi died after being admitted into hospital, Chi Chi is known for RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. Many contestants from the show in years past begin touring right away, but that was impossible this year. Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty. 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. . Everything has turned in a different direction. Check out these locals who made it on reality tv shows. Unfortunately, fan favorite Chi Chi DeVayne -- arguably the best performer out of this season's crop of girls -- didn't make the cut. By Kathryn Ingate 21:37, Thu, Aug 20, 2020 | UPDATED: 23: . China: WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard With Vaccination She gushed about the season's popularity, explaining, "So many people even in my family! 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. 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. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? 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. "Keep me in your prayers, Ill be back soon.". May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dies at 34 Former contestants and fans of the show also paid tribute to Vhi Chi. Chi Chi was incredibly kind and caring to her friends and family, even while battling pain and decreased mobility. RuPauls Drag Race star Chi Chi Devayne has died at age 34. 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. RuPaul breaks silence following Chi Chi DeVayne's death aged 34 [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. In January 2022, the proportion of deaths with COVID-19 as the underlying cause of death was ~85%. Chi Chi DeVayne starred on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2018. We find that nearly as many people died of COVID-19 in January and February of 2022 as the . It is thought that Chi Chis condition was a result of a diagnosis she had received in 2018 for scleroderma. Updated 22:41, 20 Aug 2020. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard | WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19 [19][20] DeVayne credited her experience on Drag Race with helping her heal from some of the difficulties of her past.[2]. Read about our approach to external linking. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' stars remember Chi Chi DeVayne, reflect on record 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. Scleroderma is an uncommon condition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels. 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. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. If that's not outstanding and show the power of what television can do for people, I don't know what else can.". DeVayne began her drag career in her native Shreveport, Louisiana, where she was known locally prior to her 2016 debut on Drag Race. She was 34. That charismatic personality and fearlessness we all saw on TV was noticeably muted out of drag. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dead at 34 - KHOU Former "Drag Race" contestant Peppermint tweeted a photo of DeVayne. "I wish there was more I could do to help out her family in her honor or something. But, as her health deteriorated and her fans grew increasingly concerned, she couldnt keep quiet any longer. The date and cause of death were not . DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, appeared in the eighth . She was taken to hospital in July - she told her followers on Instagram it was for kidney failure. During his acceptance speech for outstanding host for a . See All . A previous version of this story was first published in TODAY.com. Chi Chi DeVayne, Fear Not: You Are Unforgettable | HuffPost Life For the twenty countries currently most affected by COVID-19 worldwide, the bars in the chart below show the number of deaths either per 100 confirmed cases (observed case-fatality ratio) or per 100,000 population (this represents a country's general population, with both confirmed cases and healthy people). [3] In an interview on RuPaul's Drag Race, he said, "Girl, I've seen people shot. RuPaul's Drag Race Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead at 34 - PEOPLE.com 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. The cause of death is pending an autopsy . Chi Chi DeVayne, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant, Dies at 34 - TheWrap [7], DeVayne competed on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, which began airing on March 7, 2016. [2] After graduating in 2003, he began performing in drag on the local nightlife scene. Davenport was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2018 and, two years later, he died following a bout of pneumonia he contracted after a hospital stay for scleroderma-related kidney failure. Queen talks exit. youtu.be/0D9LWfp89QQ. She was 34. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. RuPaul, the television personality for . By the time a U.S. adult lives to 65, they are unlikely to die . She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 1,143 following. Meet Karine Jean-Pierre, the out lesbian serving as Kamala Harris' chief of staff. [11][23] He reported that the disease had caused him to lose weight and had reduced his capacity to dance in early 2020. 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!. Sahara Davenport, who appeared on the shows second season, died in 2012 at age 27. So much joy so much light. 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." By Stephanie Pappas . Many viewers didn't peg her as a front runner but, as the weeks progressed . My uncle used to stage talent shows with all us cousins, and my mom saw something in me. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. And when you think about what makes television outstanding, I think about stories and the way that television can move you and impact you. [10] Out dubbed the performance one of the series' best lip syncs. ", "She always showed how being humble, honest and your true authentic self will get you far!" Chi Chi DeVayne, known for her appearances in " RuPaul 's Drag Race" and " RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," has died after a battle with pneumonia. Chi Chi died from pneumonia after being hospitalised for a second time this year. CHI CHI DeVayne's death has left fans of RuPaul's Drag Race in mourning. pic.twitter.com/UspJ3KzQaC, Chi Chi was truly one of the most supportive queens. So just trying to be a beacon of light in these times has been the main focal point of my platform right now.". "RuPaul's Drag Race" fans are mourning the death of drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne. Chi Chi DeVayne, a popular contestant from the competition reality series"RuPaul's Drag Race," has died following a recenthospitalizationfor pneumonia. 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. Something went wrong, please try again later. It has since been updated. Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died at the age of 34. Rest in Power. 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. Chi Chi DeVayne World of Wonder. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. She was discharged later that month, but went back to hospital again last week - this time, she said, for pneumonia. "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. Scleroderma is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. One user wrote: "chi chi devayne was a powerhouse. [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. Drag Race: The most political, troubled season ever? In a photo posted to Chi Chi's Instagram story this week, the performer said: "Hey guys, Im back in. 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. Her lip sync to Dreamgirls' And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going is also considered iconic in Drag Race history. The "RuPaul's Drag Race" family is mourning the loss of one of their own. Her heart was big. Zavion Davenport, best known as Chi Chi DeVayne, has died at age 34, Zavion's mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN. Two-time "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Chi Chi DeVayne has died at the age of 34, TheWrap has confirmed. Followers of the 34-year-old star are shocked to hear of her sad passing - here is what we know. 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!