Jamie Foxx’s younger sister DeOndra Dixon has passed away at the age of 36
The Oscar winner announced her death Monday on Instagram. “My heart is shattered into a million pieces,” he wrote of his sibling, who was born with Down Syndrome. “My beautiful loving sister Deondra has transitioned… I say transitioned because she will always be alive…anyone who knew my sis…knew that she was a bright light… I can’t tell you how many times we have had parties at the house where she has got on the dance floor and stolen the show… even gave her boyfriend Chris Brown a run for his money.”
According to reports, Brown shared news of Dixon’s passing over the weekend on social media before deleting the post. In his remembrance, Foxx said he knows “she is in heaven now dancing with her wings on,” before adding that the pain he is in is “unbelievable.” He said he’s finding solace by leaning on memories of a grin as wide as the Rio Grande, and the experiences they shared, like Dixon dancing in his “Blame It” video featuring T-Pain, and at the Grammy Awards where the song was honored with an award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2010.
He also praised Dixon’s appointment as an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, an organization she officially joined in 2011. Born Sept. 6, 1984, in Dallas, Texas, Dixon said in her official bio on the foundation’s website that despite her father being confused by her early diagnosis, her family taught her to thrive. “I know my family loves me. They never set limits and always make me feel I can touch the sky,” she said. “I am special. I feel I was born to dance. I want to be a professional dancer. My brother has given me a chance to do some special things. I danced in his video ‘Blame It.’ I’ve danced on stage at some of his concerts all over the country. And guess what? I’ve danced at the Grammys! Lots of kids with Down syndrome never get a chance to shine or chase their dreams.”
The organization announced that it will be hosting a virtual “Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show” on Nov. 14 that will feature a tribute to Dixon who is credited with being the inspiration behind the org’s highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. The gala will see Grey’s Anatomy star Caterina Scorsone and Spanish model Marián Ávila honored with the award in addition to appearances by Jones, Rachel Platten, the Fray’s Isaac Slade, Ransom Notes, Matt and Kevin Dillon, John C. McGinley, Zack Gottsagen, Jamie Brewer and Megan Bomgaars.
“Quincy Jones himself introduced us to DeOndra as one of the most articulate, irrepressible, magnetic people he had ever met,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, Global president and CEO. “Global has lost our talented, intelligent, feisty, beautiful, kind, loving, caring, pure and giving heart, DeOndra Dixon. Our Down syndrome community has lost a beacon of hope, a true leader and role model whose aim was to always help others.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
