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Joanna Taylor
Aug 21, 2020
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Heartfelt tributes are pouring in for drag entertainer and RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne, who died aged 34.
DeVayne, whose birth name is Zavion Davenport, was undergoing treatment for a chronic health condition, but died in hospital of pneumonia.
They were a semi-finalist on the eight season of RuPaul's Drag Race and went on to compete in the third season of Drag Race All Stars.
An exceptional dancer and performer, DeVayne was considered one of the kindest, most hard-working and ultimately underrated queens to appear on the show by fans and fellow competitors alike.
Ru Paul paid tribute to their "generous and loving spirit".
"On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy - from… https://t.co/spInIPsA6p— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaul's Drag Race) 1597956938
Drag Race queens shared their heartbreak and memories of DeVayne.
❤️❤️❤️ an iconic queen literally everyone in our industry will always love. https://t.co/UspJ3KzQaC— Trixie Mattel™ (@Trixie Mattel™) 1597954092
💔 https://t.co/VBVbOGQM35— Bianca Del Rio (@Bianca Del Rio) 1597957655
I’m literally so devastated and sick to my stomach. Wake me up when it’s all over 💔— Shea Couleé (@Shea Couleé) 1597951809
One of the purest, kindest and most loving people I have ever had the chance to cross paths with. Sleep well you be… https://t.co/ONzrxxi59u— Jaremi (@Jaremi) 1597953281
❤️ Chi Chi was truly one of the most supportive queens. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts, and tr… https://t.co/3cqhZ7n7vP— Aquaria 🤌🏼 (@Aquaria 🤌🏼) 1597956165
DeVayne's fellow competitors also shared tributes.
Bob the Drag Queen, who won season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race, wrote "I'm truly devastated".
Fans shared some of DeVayne's most iconic fashion looks and performances.
Their lipsync performance to 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' is considered to be one of the best and most heartfelt in Drag Race history.
Honestly. This lip sync will be one of my favourites forever. Rest in Power #ChiChiDevayne 😔❤️ https://t.co/mZcz3QcHF9— fj 🧋 (@fj 🧋) 1597953066
rest in peace chi chi 🤍 thank you for sharing your beauty, talent and art with the world. you brought so much joy t… https://t.co/AGifQtpC6g— chloe york (@chloe york) 1597955923
Rest in peace to the legend #chichidevayne https://t.co/FrXGoj5yK9— scott (@scott) 1597954148
Poor soul. Rest in power. Seemed a lovely chap when we cruised with the queen's. #ChiChiDevayne https://t.co/2YB3AcZOvp— Anti-Fracking activist Lady Gaga (@Anti-Fracking activist Lady Gaga) 1597953817
DeVayne's family released a statement, saying:
Out of respect for the immediate family, please await additional information and directives regarding the final arrangements, memorials, and the method to remit condolences and expressions of kindness.
His final words to his family and fans, 'Never Give Up'.
And what a perfect final message that is.