‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ star Chi Chi DeVayne dies at 34 following hospitalization for pneumonia
Chi Chi #ChiChi
RuPaul shares “the biggest lesson I learned” on “RuPaul,” a daytime talk show airing in seven markets around the U.S. for three weeks. USA TODAY
Chi Chi DeVayne, a popular contestant from the competition reality series “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has died following a recent hospitalization for pneumonia.
The classically trained dancer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was 34.
The Shreverport Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, confirmed the news Thursday with Joe Patterson, the owner of Louisiana’s Central Station nightclub, who is in communication with the family. The production company World of Wonder, which produces “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” also confirmed the news on its Twitter account.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today,” wrote World of Wonder. “Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met.”
RuPaul, the host of the eponymous reality show, remembered DeVayne in a statement provided to USA TODAY on Thursday.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne,” said the host. “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. On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy – from our family to hers.”
Chi Chi DeVayne, a popular contestant from the competition reality series “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has died following her hospitalization for pneumonia.
(Photo: Santiago Felipe, Getty Images)
A beloved international star, DeVayne became a household name for fans of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The Southern drag queen with an effervescent personality, one-of-a-kind fashions and impressive dance skills was a contestant on the eighth season of the show and the third season of the spin-off, “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”
DeVayne’s road to stardom began in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. Audiences packed into the Central Station nightclub to cheer her on, in hopes she would deliver on her signature backflips.
The reality show catapulted her career and brand. The glamorous star often shared details of performances and travels around the world, as well as behind-the-scenes footage, on social media.
This year, the tone of her posts took a turn when the entertainer began giving medical updates.
In July, DeVayne was admitted to the hospital for a biopsy after suspected kidney failure.
Days ago, DeVayne posted a brief video from a hospital bed after being readmitted due to pneumonia. In a heartfelt and labored message, DeVayne addressed fans: “Keep me in prayers. I’ll be back soon.”
A beloved international star, Chi Chi DeVayne became a household name for fans of VH-1’s reality competition, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
(Photo: Santiago Felipe)
Earlier this year, DeVayne was diagnosed with scleroderma, she said in an interview on Hey Qween. 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.
The illness caused the entertainer to lose weight and hindered her ability to perform at her peak dance level, she said.
“It’s hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits,” she said.
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