"[12], DeVayne was interviewed on RuPaul's podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee? She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 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. She had completely surprised herself. The Table also presents leading causes of death in the US for the years 2015 to 2020. The glamorous star often shared details of performances and travels around the world, as well asbehind-the-scenes footage, on social media. Follow. Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved star of the hit VH1 reality series "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died. [33][34], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 18:48, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". When she walked through the door, she was nothing like I expected. Her talent was incomparable. 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. It has since been updated. RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia.The cause of death is pending an autopsy . My uncle used to stage talent shows with all us cousins, and my mom saw something in me. [3] In an interview on RuPaul's Drag Race, he said, "Girl, I've seen people shot. "she started with nothing and never gave up. The reality show catapulted her career and brand. She was 34 years old. "Our season is super deserving of that Emmy because it's for outstanding reality competition, right? 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. (As a "Drag Race" super fan myself, this year I found myself especially looking forward to Fridays more than ever before, knowing that for a few hours I would be able to forget my pandemic troubles and watch drag queens strut a runway in things that sparkle and shine.). . Chi Chi DeVayne is being remembered by her numerous fans. "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. 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. [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". 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. Contestants on the show perform lip syncs when they are at risk of elimination. They fled homophobic violence. Theres no cure, but most people with the condition can lead a full, normal life, with symptoms usually controlled by a range of different treatments. That charismatic personality and fearlessness we all saw on TV was noticeably muted out of drag. The cause of death is pending an autopsy . Follow NBC Out on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". 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. Trinity "The Tuck" Taylor,a contestant from"Drag Race" and "Drag Race All Stars,"floated the idea of a drag benefit show to raise funds for DeVayne's funeral. So much joy so much light. Keep me in your prayers, Ill be back soon. "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. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Chi Chi became well known after competing on the eighth series RuPaul's Drag Race. The condition sees the immune system attack the tissue under the skin as well as around internal organs and blood vessels. Rest in Power pic.twitter.com/a69JK8wvvT, So much light, kindness, and creative talent. IE 11 is not supported. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 1,143 following. 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). August 20, 2020. What's the least exercise we can get away with? 480K followers. "I'll be back soon. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. 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). 541 posts. She served as a drag mentor alongside Peppermint and Shuga Cain. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. The American drag queen, real name Zavion Davenport, revealed that while she'd tested negative . Ill never forget our first hang at a terrible lobster bar off Bourbon Street. 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. Chi Chi cemented her status as an international star. But, a scleroderma diagnosis in 2018 created further division between Chi Chi and Zavion. in 2016. And when you think about what makes television outstanding, I think about stories and the way that television can move you and impact you. DeVayne, who hailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, and Closet, who is from Ramseur, North Carolina, both come from self-proclaimed "humble beginnings." 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. 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. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she was to undergo dialysis treatment. The drag queen, whose real name was . Chi Chi DeVayne World of Wonder. The entertainer, whose real name was . [19][28], Celebrities including Padma Lakshmi,[21] Ross Mathews and Miss Coco Peru paid tribute to DeVayne. Basically my biggest platform right now is to share love and joy to other people," she said. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Chi Chi DeVayne has died of pneumonia. She had a natural, God-given light within her & she shared it with all of us on Drag Race. 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 a star & without her the world has less sparkle. Read about our approach to external linking. She was 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. "I do look forward to the day that we are able to go and show them all what we can do in-person," she added. Scleroderma is a rare and incurable autoimmune disorder that causes a tightening of the skin and joints and a hardening of the internal organs. Age: 86. Chi Chi DeVayne has died of pneumonia. RuPauls Drag Race star Chi Chi Devayne has died at age 34. Zavion Michael Davenport was born on September 24, 1985, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Alberteen Wyandon and Zan Davenport III. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne," said the host. Day 18.5: The median time it takes from the first symptoms of COVID-19 to death is 18.5 days. In January 2022, the proportion of deaths with COVID-19 as the underlying cause of death was ~85%. [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. Courtesy of YouTube. 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. The news came days after the performer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was reportedly hospitalized with pneumonia. DeVayne's first stint on RuPaul's Drag Race was aired in 2016, where she impressed the judges with her ingenuity and quick wit. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. RuPaul has paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was heartbroken to learn of her death. 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!. Express. Assigning a cause of death is never straightforward, but data on excess deaths suggest coronavirus death tolls are likely an underestimate. She was 34. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died aged 34. [33] Dunn stated that he set the series in New Orleans due to his longtime friendship with DeVayne. When I tell you I come from the streets, I'm not kidding. View our online Press Pack. By April 2022, it had declined to 60-70% and stayed at that level through September 2022. Hall explained that desire to watch even hit closer to home than she expected. She was 34. 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. U.S. deaths from COVID-19 so far, compared to top 10 U.S. causes of death in 2019. As Covid barrels through China, . She was lovable because she loved. RuPauls Drag Race shifted the landscape of drag, pulling talented queens from their local bars and catapulting them into international stardom. Following the news of DeVayne's death, many took to social media to express their condolences. RuPaul has broken his silence following the death of former RuPaul's . The talented drag star is thought to have passed away due to complications from pneumonia. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' contestant Sherry Pie disqualified over catfishing allegations. pic.twitter.com/UspJ3KzQaC, Chi Chi was truly one of the most supportive queens. "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 DeVaynes death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. 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. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images) Justin Townes Earle. [11][27] He died on August 20, 2020, at the age of 34. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Now Chi Chi filmed herself when she was back in a hospital bed battling pneumonia. CHI CHI DeVayne's death has left fans of RuPaul's Drag Race in mourning. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Many contestants from the show in years past begin touring right away, but that was impossible this year. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, known for her drag-on-a-dime craftiness and Southern Belle persona, has died at age 34. comments. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. Aug 21, 2020, 04:25 PM EDT. "She had a natural, God-given light within her & she shared it with all of us on Drag Race. "May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. Rest in Power! We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all., Chi Chi DeVaynes light will shine forever in all of our hearts. 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. The show's host RuPaul mourned her passing. She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Everything has turned in a different direction. . Another wrote: "The legacy that chi chi has left in our community is everlasting. RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia. It's a sad day in the drag world. RuPaul, the television personality for . The world lost a charismatic, fearless and inimitable star; I lost a dear friend. She gushed about the season's popularity, explaining, "So many people even in my family! RuPaul paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. 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. "Keep me in your prayers, Ill be back soon.". During his acceptance speech for outstanding host for a . RuPaul, the host of the eponymous reality show, remembered DeVayne in a statement provided to USA TODAY on Thursday. Last year, at a time when getting into drag had become more of a challenge, the minute she found out my mother went into hospital, she leapt into quick-drag to record a video message to help lift Moms spirits. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? It's crazy. Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died at the age of 34. [7] On July 17 of that year, he was rushed to the hospital with hypertension and scleroderma-related kidney failure. pic.twitter.com/sYEIRMZ5u9. Following her time on the show, DeVayne embarked on a number of domestic and international tours, and she was featured on several web series about drag. "RuPaul's Drag Race" fans are mourning the death of drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne. closed in 2021. This trend was seen among both younger (aged <65 years) and older adults (aged 65 years) ( Figure 11 ). I love you Chi Chi. Before, I was just like, 'What's a good job that I could get here in town, working in a factory?'. 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. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT. 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. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. DeVayne enjoyed using different shades of purple makeup. 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. You can unsubscribe at any time. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. Public figure. ", Im heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne. Its hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits, she said. RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 release date: When will it air. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. DeVayne, real name Zavion Davenport, was hospitalized last month with an . She finished in eighth place. "We're heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today," wrote World of Wonder. GLAAD remembered DeVayne as "an incredible performer and such a bright light" in a tweet Thursday. The cause of death was not immediately reported. 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. [4], DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! [22] In a memorial post, GLAAD called DeVayne "an incredible performer and such a bright light". Always open with her fans, her camera was rolling when she underwent dialysis. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. 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 .