The Tragic Death Of Jamie Foxx's Younger Sister
Although actor and singer Jamie Foxx has experienced countless dramatic scenarios on-screen, no fictional trauma can compare to the heartache the Academy award-winner must now face, as his younger sister, DeOndra Dixon, tragically passed away at age 36.
As reported by People, the Ray star took to Instagram to notify fans of his sister's passing. Along with sharing a black and white photo of himself and his sister, Foxx penned a long, heartfelt caption. "My heart is shattered into a million pieces... my beautiful loving sister Deondra has transitioned..." Foxx began. "I say transitioned because she will always be alive... anyone who knew my sis... knew that she was a bright light."
Foxx also made mention of Dixon's famous dance moves and her penchant for singer Chris Brown. "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..." Foxx playfully joked. Although his sister might be gone from this world in the physical sense, Foxx noted that her memory is alive in him and his family.
Jamie Foxx's sister DeOndra Dixon taught the actor how to 'live'
Comedian Jamie Foxx was stricken with grief after his little sister DeOndra Dixon passed away, and the Django Unchained star remains adamant that he will cherish the memories of his sister forever. "Well I know she is in heaven now dancing with her wings on..." Foxx wrote on Instagram. "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..."
According to People, Dixon, who was born in 1984, was diagnosed with Down syndrome. But according to Foxx, she never let that get in her way — and it's not something he or anyone else in his family dwelled on, either. During an interview with People in 2011, Foxx explained, "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." Well, that and the fact that Dixon was a much better dancer than Foxx. "I always lose the dance battle," he admitted. "Because she's got the good moves." Foxx also revealed that his kid sister also taught him how to "live."
"Sometimes we get caught up in our world on the extras of everything — 'Ah, the Mercedes is not the right color!' And then you see this girl over here, 'I just want to live. I want to dance. I want to love.' So she brings you back down to what life is."
DeOndra Dixon inspired people across the globe
In her short 36 years, DeOndra Dixon touched not only the lives of her family members but also the lives of those around the world. As E! News noted, Dixon was named the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Global Ambassador in 2011 and participated in the Special Olympics for nearly a decade.
In the autobiography section on the organization's website, Dixon wrote about her goal to become a professional dancer and credited her older brother, Jamie Foxx, for gifting her with so many opportunities to do what she loved. "I feel I was born to dance. I want to be a professional dancer," she said. "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 Grammy's!"
She also signed off with a call to action, stating, "Lots of kids with Down syndrome never get a chance to shine or chase their dreams. Each one has something to offer and each one has a dream. Please help me and my family to advocate for so many beautiful and brilliant children with Down syndrome who've been neglected. Together we will make dreams come true."
Celebs have rallied around Jamie Foxx
As expected, Jamie Foxx and his family are facing a lot of grief, but amid their mourning, they've received support from friends, fans, and celebrities alike.
Rapper Snoop Dogg was presumably at a loss for words and instead opted to leave two emojis below Foxx's Instagram tribute to his sister: the blue heart and the prayer hands emoji to show his condolences to both Jamie Foxx and the family, per OK! Magazine. Michael B. Jordan offered up a few words writing, "Here for you brother! No words can ease what you're going through but the Jordan's are here for you and your family!" Fat Joe also left a short and simple message for Fox, penning, "My brother I love you stay strong I'm sorry." Actor and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Garcelle Beauvais took to her Instagram to share a photo of her former co-star posing with DeOndra Dixon. The heartfelt caption read, "Heaven got a bright light #rip DeOndra @iamjamiefoxx I know how much she meant to you and the rest of the family I loved her spirit."
It's safe to say that Foxx and the rest of the family have an army of support during their time of need, and with that in mind, we wish Foxx and his family nothing but the best as they mourn this devastating loss.