Minutes before I sat down with "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 12 stars Jaida Essence Hall (who won) and Heidi N Closet (who snatched the sash for Miss Congeniality), news of the tragic death of Chi Chi DeVayne broke. 1,143 following. Zavion Michael Davenport was born on September 24, 1985, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Alberteen Wyandon and Zan Davenport III. She was a star & without her the world has less sparkle. 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. "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's Chi Chi DeVayne begs for prayers in - mirror Chi Chi had also been in and out of hospital following suspected kidney failure. 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. That charismatic personality and fearlessness we all saw on TV was noticeably muted out of drag. Its hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits, she said. [4], DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Rest in perfection. U.S. deaths from COVID-19 so far, compared to top 10 U.S. causes of death in 2019. Chi Chi Devayne Courtesy of VH1. 5 COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in 2020, with an estimated 345 323 deaths, and was largely responsible for the . 1 of 3 Chi Chi DeVayne onstage during RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 Finale Party at Stage 48 on May 16, 2016 in New York City. an iconic queen literally everyone in our industry will always love. Contestants on the show perform lip syncs when they are at risk of elimination. There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dead at 34 - KHOU The news came days after the performer, known offstage as . Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved star of the hit VH1 reality series "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died. DeVayne, whose off-stage name was Zavion Davenport told . She gushed about the season's popularity, explaining, "So many people even in my family! And there were a lot of limitations, but Chi Chi kept finding new ways to evolve as an artist taking a page from her own book: It doesnt matter what you have, its what you do with it that counts A post shared by Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial) on Jun 29, 2019 at 8:40am PDT. 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. People are battling anxiety and depression right now. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Olivia Attwood praises best pal Georgia Harrison as 'brave and dignified' after Stephen Bear jailed for sharing sex tape, Peter Andre reveals strict rule for daughter Princess's career after she teams up with fashion brand, Where cast of Flipper are now - from hilarious run-in with the Queen to Breaking Bad fame & star with 14 kids by 4 mums, Stephen Bears fiance Jessica Smith vows to stick with him 'through thick and thin' after shamed reality star is jailed, Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). There's no cure for scleroderma, but most people with the condition can lead a full, productive life. Chi Chi DeVayne, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Star, Dies at 34 "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Chi Chi DeVayne. Knowing that she is such a beloved person, it speaks to me," Closet said. My father was like, 'I really look forward to Fridays now. Chi Chi DeVayne, competitor on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' dies at 34 - KING-TV 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Fans Remember Chi Chi DeVayne's Most - Newsweek She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. 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 . 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. Corrections and clarifications: An earlierversion of this story had an incorrect title for Joe Patterson and diagnosis date for DeVayne. Chi Chi DeVayne, the drag superstar who rose to fame on RuPaul's Drag Race, is reportedly dead at 34. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she was to undergo dialysis treatment. How's Your Head Hun: What is Michelle Visage's new lockdown series? Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. "Also show that there can be kindness out there in the world, even in these crazy times. [24] Four weeks later, Davenport was readmitted to the hospital with pneumonia. "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". Chi Chi, who was 34, revealed to fans on Instagram earlier this month that she had contracted pneumonia after suffering from kidney failure. Julie Newmar, and the surname DeVayne came from the DeVayne drag family of Shreveport. RuPaul paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? . I first got to know the Drag Race alum when I reached out as a fan via Instagram. Aug. 20 2020, Updated 11:19 p.m. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne begged for prayers from her hospital bed. "All other causes" includes liver disease/cirrhosis, bloodstream infections, hypertension, Parkinson's disease . ", A beloved international star,DeVaynebecame a household name for fans of"RuPauls Drag Race." [24][25] This prompted fans and fellow Drag Race contestants to initiate fundraising efforts for his medical bills. "RuPaul's Drag Race" fans are mourning the death of drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne. "I wish there was more I could do to help out her family in her honor or something. I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. Zavion Davenport, best known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Following the death of the popular drag queen, RuPaul, host of the reality show . RuPaul's Drag Race Chi Chi DeVayne star has died at the age of just 34. She explained earlier on: "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". She was truly a legendary queen. RuPaul's Drag Race Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead at 34 So the kindness of her and the sweetness is truly a thing that will live on.". The risk of death was higher for survivors of severe COVID-19 than for the uninfected (hazard ratio [HR], 2.50) and those who were mildly ill (HR, 1.87). Drag Race alum Chi Chi Devayne dead at 34. Chi Chi DeVayne has died of pneumonia. "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 DeVayne dead :Chi Chi's cause of death is yet to be revealed, Chi Chi DeVayne dead: RuPaul's Drag Race star dies aged 34, Chi Chi DeVayne dead: Earlier this week Chi Chi post to her Instagram saying 'keep me in your prayers', Drag Race Canada recap: Who is Anastarzia Anaquway? Her future was bright. 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. The cause of death was not immediately reported. [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". DeVayne said of the experience: "It changed everything in my life. Chi Chi was incredibly kind and caring to her friends and family, even while battling pain and decreased mobility. VH1. [11][27] He died on August 20, 2020, at the age of 34. "[12], DeVayne was interviewed on RuPaul's podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee? Chi Chi DeVayne has died of pneumonia. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, revealed in early . COVID-19 claimed 340,000 lives in 2020, 475,000 lives in 2021, and so far, has taken 230,000 lives in 2022 through September. But she didnt surprise me. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne . She was taken to hospital in July - she told her followers on Instagram it was for kidney failure. 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' stars remember Chi Chi DeVayne, reflect on record Scleroderma is an uncommon condition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels. 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. Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. 480K followers. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead At 34 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. 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. Day 18.5: The median time it takes from the first symptoms of COVID-19 to death is 18.5 days. she has inspired so many and she has changed this community forever. And this shows in the numbers. Assigning a cause of death is never straightforward, but data on excess deaths suggest coronavirus death tolls are likely an underestimate. Fatal ischemic events (venous or arterial) occurred in 13% of the cases. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dies at 34 - NBC News Aug. 20, 2020 6:13 PM PT. "Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul. RuPaul's Drag Race Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead at 34 - PEOPLE.com She was 34. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. She was diagnosied with scleroderma back in 2018. Now Chi Chi filmed herself when she was back in a hospital bed battling pneumonia. 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. Celebrity Deaths in 2020: Chadwick Boseman, Naya Rivera, Alex - Yahoo! I love you Chi Chi. "Well, knowing that she is so similar to me in so many qualities, it just means I'm doing the right thing. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, appeared in the eighth . I've smelled, like, the smell of brains. "So much joy so much light," she wrote. Chi Chi DeVayne Dead: 5 Things About The 'RuPaul's Drag Race Star' Who Tragically Passed Away At 34. Family members confirmed DeVayne's death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. The moment we wrapped she turned around with tears in her eyes and said, I never thought Id have the chance to do that. The Louisiana native (real name Zavion Michael . ", English drag queen Cheryl Hole, who appeared on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," tweeted that DeVayne "was such a light during her season and beyond. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. RuPaul paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. Her loss is devastating. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 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. 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. youtu.be/0D9LWfp89QQ. 'Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne remembered as an 'angel on earth RuPaul shares "the biggest lesson I learned" on "RuPaul," a daytime talk show airing in seven markets around the U.S. for three weeks. According to EW, the artist was recently hospitalized with suspected kidney . Chi Chi DeVayne, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' competitor, dead at 34 Canada's Drag Race: Who are the judges on Canada's Drag Race? DeVayne's death was announced on August 20, 2020. DeVayne is the second Drag Race contestant to have died since the shows 2009 inception. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dead at 34 - WFAA COVID-19 leading cause of death ranking - Peterson-KFF Health System Later in 2018 DeVayne was diagnosed with scleroderma, a condition that attacks the internal organs. GLAAD remembered DeVayne as "an incredible performer and such a bright light" in a tweet Thursday. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Drag Superstar Chi Chi DeVayne Dies at 34 | Vogue 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. He also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues, and he stated that he was undergoing dialysis treatment. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. pic.twitter.com/dlbRex2mNN. 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. The drag queen, whose real name was . Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Her death comes after the Drag Race star was hospitalised last week with the lung disease. As Covid barrels through China, . She put herself on the global map with appearances on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Hall explained that desire to watch even hit closer to home than she expected. |. ET. [2], As a child, Davenport took classes in ballet and in West African and modern dance. Chi Chi became well known after competing on the eighth series RuPaul's Drag Race. Aug 21, 2020, 04:25 PM EDT. She posted on Instagram last week that she was in hospital for a chronic condition - the second time this year. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The Table also presents leading causes of death in the US for the years 2015 to 2020. pic.twitter.com/sYEIRMZ5u9. "Keep me in your prayers," she said in a video message to her fans. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high . Earlier this year, DeVayne revealed she had been diagnosed withscleroderma in an interview onHey Qween. Longtime drag queen Miss Coco Peru remembered DeVayne's laugh. During his acceptance speech for outstanding host for a . She was discharged later that month, but went back to hospital again last week - this time, she said, for pneumonia. Audiences packed into the Central Station nightclub to cheer her on, in hopes she would deliver on hersignature backflips. Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul. Chi Chi's lip sync to Dreamgirls' And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going is also considered iconic in Drag Race history. Follow NBC Out on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. Something went wrong, please try again later. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dies at 34 - Los Angeles Times May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.. The show's host RuPaul mourned her passing. While a number of Chi Chi's fellow Drag Race stars paid their respects at the time, the show included a special video tribute to the All Star contestant during the series 13 finale. The "RuPaul's Drag Race" family is mourning the loss of one of their own. Chi Chi DeVayne finished in fourth place on Season 8 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and soon began performing around the world. The talented drag star is thought to have passed away due to complications from pneumonia. ", Im heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne. [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. "she started with nothing and never gave up. COVID-19 as the Underlying or Contributing Cause of Death Days ago, DeVayne posted a brief video from a hospital bed after being readmitted due to pneumonia. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. There seemed to be nothing she couldnt do. "I'll be back soon. Scleroderma is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. Chi Chi DeVayne, Popular 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant, Dies at 34 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. Courtesy of YouTube. [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. Davenport, whose stage name was Chi Chi DeVayne, competed on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race and one season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. The classically trained dancer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was 34. 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. Scleroderma can come in different types, with different levels of seriousness. Kyne reveals all, Chi Chi DeVayne dead: Fans have paid tribute to Chi Chi on social media. DeVayne enjoyed using different shades of purple makeup. RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia.The cause of death is pending an autopsy . Day 15: Acute kidney and cardiac injury becomes evident. rest in power". One of the brightest, beloved stars of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' has died. Chi Chi cemented her status as an international star. Sahara Davenport, who appeared on the shows second season, died in 2012 at age 27. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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. Chi Chi DeVayne: Tributes paid after RuPaul's Drag Race - ITV News 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 . Basically my biggest platform right now is to share love and joy to other people," she said. She was 34 . [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. Chi Chi DeVayne Dies: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum Zavion - Deadline Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. 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.". American drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, died Thursday at 34. August 20, 2020 2:55pm. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. So just trying to be a beacon of light in these times has been the main focal point of my platform right now.". 'Drag Race' Stars Mourn the Loss of Chi Chi DeVayne - Billboard Check out these locals who made it on reality tv shows. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 4 According to provisional data, in 2020, there were notable changes in the number and ranking of deaths compared with 2019. A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT. [11][23] He reported that the disease had caused him to lose weight and had reduced his capacity to dance in early 2020. Zavion Davenport, best known as Chi Chi DeVayne, has died at age 34, Zavion's mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN . There's no cure for scleroderma, but most people with the condition can lead a full, productive life. 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. 2 min read. [33][34], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 18:48, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! 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. Chi Chi DeVayne, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant, Dies at 34 - Yahoo! Chi Chi was cautious around me at first because I was white (she described a strong cultural divide in Shreveport). (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images/TNS) Santiago . Ill never forget our first hang at a terrible lobster bar off Bourbon Street. The entertainer, whose real name was . Rest In Peace now my beautiful sister #chichidevayne im heart broken. RuPaul has broken his silence following the death of former RuPaul's . (Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images) Justin Townes Earle. [22] In a memorial post, GLAAD called DeVayne "an incredible performer and such a bright light". Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? Express. 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. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective against severe disease and death, even as new variants, including Omicron, have emerged. [2] Prior to appearing on Drag Race, Davenport worked two nine-to-five jobs to support himself. "Our season is super deserving of that Emmy because it's for outstanding reality competition, right? In her early days as a drag entertainer, she was a regular performer at the . We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. So much joy so much light. 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. Zavion Davenport, best known as Chi Chi DeVayne, has died at age 34, Zavion's mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN. She had me in gymnastics, and I was in a dance company in my twenties. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. RuPaul's Drag Race Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead at 34 It's crazy. How COVID-19 Deaths Are Counted.