Who was DeOndra Dixon? Jamie Foxx says his 'heart is shattered' after tragic death of his 36-year-old sister
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx confirmed on Monday, October 26, that her 36-year-old sister, DeOndra Dixon, who suffered from down syndrome, has died. The confirmation about her demise came after Foxx penned a heartful message for her sister on social media.
"My heart is shattered into a million pieces 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 @chrisbrownofficial a run for his money," he wrote in an Instagram post, as he made the announcement.
"Well I know she is in heaven now dancing with her wings on...tho my pain is unbelievable I smile when I think of all of the great memories that she left me... my family... and her friends… from dancing in the blame it video… to Dancing on the Grammys… And becoming The ambassador to @globaldownsyndrome... from sliding down my stairs with a grin as wide as the rio grand... to serenading us with all of her music... Deondra you have left A hole in my heart... but I will fill it with all of the memories that you gave me ... I love you with every ounce of me... our family is shattered but we will put the pieces back together with your love... and y’all please keep my family in your prayers," he continued.
Dixon's death first came to light last week when 31-years-old singer Chris Brown posted and deleted an emotional tribute on Instagram with Dixon and Foxx 's dancing picture at a fashion show. Brown, wrote: "Lost one of my best friends and one of the most beautiful souls I know. REST IN PEACE sis. WE WIL (sic) DANCE AGAIN ONE DAY...I LOVE YOU."
Who was DeOndra Dixon?
Born on September 6, 1984, in Dallas, Texas, Dixon suffered from Down syndrome. In 2011, she was named as the Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Encouraged by her close-knit family, she began competing in the Special Olympics when she was in the 6th grade and played for over nine years. After graduating from high school in Texas in 2002, Dixon moved to California to live with Foxx and the rest of her family. The foundation described her as a "true angel looking down on us" in its own emotional tribute. "We have lost our talented, intelligent, feisty, beautiful, kind, loving, caring, pure and giving heart," the tribute read. "Everyone at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation is in complete shock and full of grief."
In her biography on the foundation's website, Dixon said she was "born to dance". She said: “I want to be a professional dancer." “My brother has given me a chance to do some special things,” Dixon wrote. “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 Grammy’s!" Foxx, who was 16 years older to Dixon, told PEOPLE in November 2011, "We weren’t trippin’ on the fact that she had Down syndrome. We were trippin’ on the fact that she was cute. She was this little chocolate ball." "I always lose the dance battle. Because she’s got the good moves. One thing people may not understand is that the person with special needs, the love that they give you is unfiltered," the actor said.