Tributes Are Pouring In For ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Star Chi Chi DeVayne
"Rest in Power! So sad and heartbroken to hear of the passing of Chi Chi Devayne, you’ll be loved and missed sis!"
Tributes from fans, fellow queens, and celebrities are pouring in for beloved queen Chi Chi DeVayne, who passed away recently after complications with pneumonia.
News of the drag queen’s death was announced on Thursday, only a week after informing her Instagram followers that she’d been hospitalised. She was only 34-years-old at the time of her passing.
Chi Chi DeVayne — the drag name of performer Zavion Davenport — was a fan-favourite contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, who competed first on season 8, making it all the way to the top four, and then again on All Stars 3.
She was known for her charm, and high-energy Southern drag style and Louisiana glamour. While all her performances were exemplary, her lip-sync against fellow season 8 contestant Thorgy Thor is particularly stunning, and worth re-watching.
Devastated to hear about Chi Chi Devayne’s passing. A bright star gone way too soon pic.twitter.com/9D8YEOSDD1
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) August 20, 2020
Or this iconic performance of ‘Call Me’ by Blondie? Amazing.
RIP Chi Chi DeVayne….such an incredibly talented performer (I am obsessed with this lipsync) but also seemed like a genuinely kind and caring person, this is so fucking sad pic.twitter.com/tCRvZhXnpz
— Will Kellogg (@Will_Kellogg) August 20, 2020
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne,” said RuPaul. “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.”
"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
Tributes have noted Chi Chi’s kindness, talent, and humour. Fellow queens, such as Shea Couleé, Heidi N Closet, Bob The Drag Queen, Monet X, The Vixen, and Adore Delano have shared their grief online.
I’m literally so devastated and sick to my stomach. Wake me up when it’s all over 💔
— Shea Couleé (@SheaCoulee) August 20, 2020
Rest in Power! 💔 So sad and heartbroken to hear of the passing of #chichidevayne you’ll be loved and missed sis! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sYEIRMZ5u9
— Heidi N Closet (@HeidiNCloset) August 20, 2020
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
OMG just heard. Rest easy the sweetest most sensitive kind and wholesome angel. ♥️ Chi Chi.
— Give Us Free (@monetxchange) August 20, 2020
Rest In Peace • Chi Chi DeVayne 💔 pic.twitter.com/smji1uL6W4
— Adore Delano (@AdoreDelano) 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
And people have noted Chi Chi’s important and necessary representation of queens who don’t come from as much wealth and privilege.
strong, black, working class legenda. RIP chi chi devayne, you changed lives 💕 https://t.co/Ao0n90yZQ1
— bpdyke (@flatdietcoke) August 20, 2020
RIP Chi Chi DeVayne (Zavion Davenport) the heart of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 and All Stars 3.
"Never be ashamed of how you walk… talk… because that is going to be the key to your success." #RIPChiChiDeVayne pic.twitter.com/XsJ5ZaY0yQ
— Omri (@Omri_Rawrlan) August 20, 2020
Chi Chi DeVayne really stood for the queens who arrived for Drag Race with no money alongside a sea of far wealthier competition and left Drag Race with everything – including our hearts pic.twitter.com/D16KtE8llY
— Pete Burns’ Confiscated Coat (@harrisonjbrock) August 20, 2020
Rest in power, Chi Chi DeVayne.