One of the reality show's most popular Drag Queens has passed away, following years of medical treatment.
Tributes are pouring in for Chi Chi DeVayne, who has died of suspected kidney failure. The performer, real name Zavion Davenport, became sick in 2018 with a rare autoimmune disease named Scleroderma, but never fully recovered from the illness.
The Drag Queen become a household name for fans of reality show 'RuPaul's Drag Race' ever since appearing on season eight of the show back in 2016. Making it to the top four of the series, Chi Chi returned for the 'All Stars' version of the competition two years later.
Chi Chi's family posted on the star's Instagram account, writing: "It is with tremendous sorrow that my family and I announce the passing of my beloved son, Zavion Michael Davenport, the world renowned "Chi Chi DeVayne".
They also shared the star's final words to his family and fans, which was "Never give up!"
Tributes to the young performer have been pouring out across the internet. Here are some from notable remarks from his former colleagues, fellow Drag Queen, and fans of the TV series.
"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
I’m literally so devastated and sick to my stomach. Wake me up when it’s all over ?
— Shea Couleé (@SheaCoulee) August 20, 2020
Heartbroken doesn’t begin... so sad to have lost such a sweet, endearing sister. RIP ChiChi pic.twitter.com/kv0qGDPvym
— Jinkx Monsoon (@JinkxMonsoon) August 21, 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
I once went on tour with #ChiChiDevayne, who told me that many women in her Louisiana church could put Jennifer Hudson's singing to shame. I hope these ladies send her off in style, bc she was one of the nicest @RuPaulsDragRace queens I ever worked with. RIP.
— LADY BUNNY (@LADYBUNNY77) August 21, 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
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 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
Just informed that zavion aka chi chi devayne has passed away ? rest in no more pain, no more worry and no more sorrow #chichidevayne #rip #rupaulsdragrace #canadasdragrace #dragqueen #rupaul #makeup #mua #makeupslaves #makeupvideo #makeupideas #makeupgeek pic.twitter.com/CdV3KBsW1v
— nina bonina brown (@atlsexyslim) August 20, 2020
Rest In Peace now my beautiful sister #chichidevayne im heart broken.
— Roxxxy Andrews (@RoxxxyAndrews) August 20, 2020
Rest In Power, Chi Chi DeVayne. You are, and forever will be, an All Star. pic.twitter.com/is4X9hEyse
— Ξvan Ross Katz (@evanrosskatz) August 21, 2020
Aw man!!! So sad to hear about @chichidevayne RIP my sweet!! pic.twitter.com/xvxmyARmBI
— Leslie Jones ? (@Lesdoggg) August 21, 2020
The world has lost a true queen, with a true heart. Rest In Peace #ChiChidevayne
— Scarlet Envy (@ScarletEnvyNYC) August 20, 2020
RIP Queen ? such an incredible vibrant entertainer #ChichiDevayne https://t.co/8QZPB5nniZ
— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) August 20, 2020
