RuPaul remembers Chi Chi DeVayne's 'loving spirit,' queens react after Drag Race star's death
VH1 (2)
RuPaul is paying tribute to one of his beloved girls.
Following Thursday's news that RuPaul's Drag Race season 8 queen Chi Chi DeVayne had died at age 34, Mama Ru released a statement to EW honoring the memory of the late star.
"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," RuPaul said. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all."
The statement went on to extend sympathies to DeVayne's family on behalf of the cast and crew of the VH1 program, the network itself, and production company World of Wonder.
DeVayne's Drag Race sisters also shared remembrances of the performer on social media shortly after her death, including Kennedy Davenport, who said her heart was "broken into [pieces]" over the loss of her friend. "I love you always," Davenport said. "My dancing angel."
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 The Dancing Diva of Texas (@kennedyddoftx) August 20, 2020
Season 8 champion Bob the Drag Queen shared a photo of DeVayne to their Instagram feed accompanied by a heart in the caption, while season 10 winner Aquaria called DeVayne "one of the most supportive queens" in an emotional message. "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."
❤️ 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
Outside the drag world, Dan Levy, Loni Love, Natasha Rothwell, Allie X, and more celebrities also honored DeVayne on social media, with Padma Lakshmi posting a touching tweet calling the queen "an incredible performer, so down to earth and a bright light in the drag community."
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.
She brought such Louisiana warmth & personality to @RuPaulsDragRace & I'm sure inspired countless young people in the LGBTQ community. pic.twitter.com/PmcALwLRFF— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) August 20, 2020
RIP, Chi Chi. 💔 https://t.co/pmuTVLEbuI
— dan levy (@danjlevy) August 20, 2020
In July, DeVayne — who finished season 8 in fourth place and returned to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars 3 in 2018 — was hospitalized with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she had catheters to her heart and kidneys surgically installed before undergoing dialysis treatment. She was eventually discharged, though the Louisiana native later returned to the hospital last week after reportedly being diagnosed with pneumonia.
Read on for more reactions to DeVayne's death.
"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." –RuPaul (1/2) pic.twitter.com/iN3oT3R2dG— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 20, 2020
A post shared by Naomi Smalls (@naomismalls) on Aug 20, 2020 at 9:06pm PDT
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
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
A post shared by Bob/ Caldwell Tidicue (@bobthedragqueen) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:39pm PDT
OMG just heard. Rest easy the sweetest most sensitive kind and wholesome angel. ♥️ Chi Chi.
— Give Us Free (@monetxchange) August 20, 2020
I’m literally so devastated and sick to my stomach. Wake me up when it’s all over 💔
— Shea Couleé (@SheaCoulee) August 20, 2020
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
— Bianca Del Rio (@TheBiancaDelRio) August 20, 2020
One of the purest, kindest and most loving people I have ever had the chance to cross paths with. Sleep well you beautiful human!#ChiChiDevayne 💙
— Jaremi 💙 (@JustJaremi) August 20, 2020
Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We will miss you. Your light will continue to shine. 🙏🏽
A post shared by jujubee (@jujubeeonline) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:41pm PDT
A post shared by WILLAM (@willam) on Aug 20, 2020 at 5:14pm PDT
Rest in Power Chichi Devayne. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to her family and anyone who is hurting right now. she was always sweet, considerate, real and to say the absolute least TALENTED. say it again: TALENT. the world lost someone genuinely amazing today. pic.twitter.com/6nbRgqgeal
— Dax ExclamationPoint⚡️ (@Daxclamation) August 20, 2020
Just woke up to the news. I'm truly heartbroken and sending all my love and prayers to ChiChi's family and friends through this sad time 🙏💔 Fly high beautiful 😪
— 𝕀ℕ𝔻𝕀𝔸 𝔽𝔼ℝℝ𝔸ℍ (@Indiaferrah) August 20, 2020
Rest In Peace to one of the most beautiful queens to hit the @RuPaulsDragRace franchise ❤️
love you Chi Chi! pic.twitter.com/iC31NqTJWI— hi it’s me priyanka (@thequeenpri) August 20, 2020
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
I love you ❤️ Chichi 👑 pic.twitter.com/woKZv7z7EB
— Alexis Mateo (@AlexisMateo79) August 20, 2020
A post shared by Trinity K Bone’t (@trinitykbonet) on Aug 20, 2020 at 12:51pm PDT
I remember us kiking about struggles of dating after dragrace. I remember her sending me kind messages whenever I needed it. I wish the world got to see your kindness and talent more... You did well Chichi ❤️🙏
— CEO OF KPOP (@shotwithsoju) August 20, 2020
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
I just wanted to share a moment of her where she was laughing. I know we’re all mourning but she is at peace now and we will feel her laughter and beautifully positive vibrations as her spirit and soul finds solace 💛
— AJA 👑💛🍯 (@ajaoxum) August 20, 2020
This is so heart-breaking 😢💔 RIP Chi Chi DeVayne 💔 My heart goes out to all of Chi Chi’s family, friends and fans. https://t.co/g6ZXoF2RAO
— Pandora Boxx (@ThePandoraBoxx) August 20, 2020
So much light, kindness, and creative talent. Gone much too soon. Love you, Chi Chi. Rest in Power. pic.twitter.com/ijeOsTrT3g
— Sasha Velour (@sasha_velour) August 21, 2020
2020 had truly been something else 😔💔
— Jaida Essence Hall (@jaidaehall) August 20, 2020
Rest In Peace • Chi Chi DeVayne 💔 pic.twitter.com/smji1uL6W4
— Adore Delano (@AdoreDelano) August 20, 2020
So sad 💔 You’ll be remembered forever @chichidevayneofficial #rip
A post shared by Alexis Michelle (@alexislives) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:52pm PDT
RIP ChiChi 😪💙 What a powerful soul, who’s light will continue to shine bright ✨
— Blu Hydrangea (@BluHydrangea_) August 20, 2020
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
RIP Chi Chi. What a sad week. X
— TheVivienne BLM (@THEVIVIENNEUK) August 20, 2020
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
Rest well, beautiful Chi Chi 💔
— Brooke Lynn Hytes (@Bhytes1) August 20, 2020
Rest in Power Angel! Seriously one of the nicest people I've ever met. 💔
Zavion Davenport Chi Chi DeVayne we will miss you! pic.twitter.com/Hicbi7rBsA— Ongina (@ongina) August 20, 2020
Rest in power my @rupaulsdragrace talented sister miss chichidevayneofficial 🙏🏽🙏🏽A fierce queen with a beautiful soul. Prayers to her family and friends.
Descansa en paz Chichi🌹 https://t.co/p55lVuEfGi— Yara Sofia (@yarasofiapr) August 20, 2020
A post shared by Trixie Mattel (@trixiemattel) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT
A post shared by Eureka! 💜🐘👑 (they, them) (@eurekaohara) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:19pm PDT
A post shared by Delta Work (@deltawork) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:29pm PDT
Chi chi you are so beloved. Rest well Angel.
A post shared by Miss Peppermint (@peppermint247) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:00pm PDT
A post shared by Shangela (DJ) (@itsshangela) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:32pm PDT
A post shared by 💋 Hᴇɪᴅɪ N Cʟᴏsᴇᴛ 💋 (@heidincloset) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:04pm PDT
Goodbye @chichidevayneofficial ... sweet, kind, beautiful #chichidevayne 🙏♥️
A post shared by Sutan RAJA (@sutanamrull) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:39pm PDT
A post shared by Ginger Minj (@gingerminj) on Aug 20, 2020 at 10:56pm PDT
A post shared by Courtney Act (@courtneyact) on Aug 20, 2020 at 10:05pm PDT
A post shared by BenDeLaCreme (@bendelacreme) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:54pm PDT
A post shared by Manila Luzon (@manilaluzon) on Aug 20, 2020 at 5:03pm PDT
Absolutely heartbroken — RIP ChiChi. You were one hell of a sister.
A post shared by Jinkx Monsoon (@thejinkx) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:48pm PDT
A post shared by Mrs. Kasha Davis (@mrskashadavis) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:05pm PDT
A post shared by Cynthia Lee Fontaine (@cynthialeefontaine) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:39pm PDT
I will always remember this moment. Love you forever @chichidevayneofficial Rest In Power.
A post shared by Thorgy Thor (@thorgythor) on Aug 20, 2020 at 1:45pm PDT
A post shared by Michelle Visage (@michellevisage) on Aug 20, 2020 at 3:22pm PDT
A post shared by Nicky Doll (Karlize)✨ (@thenickydoll) on Aug 20, 2020 at 3:32pm PDT
Rest In Peace Chi Chi—the kindest person, loved by literally everyone. What a heartbreak.
A post shared by Katya Zamolodchikova (@katya_zamo) on Aug 20, 2020 at 4:16pm PDT
💔 so sad 💔 Rest In Peace, Chi Chi.
A post shared by Nina West (@ninawest) on Aug 20, 2020 at 4:25pm PDT
A post shared by Jimbo (@jimbothedragclown) on Aug 20, 2020 at 4:56pm PDT
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