Big Freedia has been left “devastated” by the death of Devon Hurst, her partner of 20 years.
The gay hip-hop artist, known as “The Queen of Bounce,” shared the news of the 38-year-old’s passing in an emotional post paying tribute to his life.
“I’m devastated to have to announce that today my partner of 20 years Devon Hurst passed away peacefully due to complications from diabetes, surrounded by his loving family,” Freedia wrote on Instagram Thursday.
Instagram / bigfreedia
Big Freedia announced the death of Devon Hurst in a heartfelt Instagram post. (Instagram / bigfreedia)
Hurst, who appeared on the Fuse reality series “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce,” is survived by his mother Chareen, three sisters, three brothers, daughter Zyrielle, son Davone, numerous nieces and nephews and “partner” Freddie Ross Jr.
“He will deeply missed by everyone in this community who knew him and loved him,” Freedia said. “We take comfort in knowing he is free from any pain and suffering, and is at peace in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.”
Asking for prayer and requesting privacy, the gender-fluid star informed her followers that “public services will be announced once completed.”
Freedia shared in a 2023 interview that she fell in love with Hurst at first sight.
“I experienced it with my partner, and we’ve been together going on 18 years,” she told AnOther Mag at the time. “It’s our love that’s kept us together.”
In a recap video for “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce,” posted to YouTube in 2018, the New Orleans native confessed: “Devon is my other half, he can make me go up, and he can make me go down.”
The show ran on Fuse from 2013 to 2017.
