Jamie Foxx announces the death of his sister, 'bright light' DeOndra Dixon
'She is in heaven now dancing with her wings on.'
October 27, 2020 11:01 a.m. EST
October 29, 2020 12:00 a.m. EST
Jamie Foxx is mourning the death of his beloved sister, DeOndra Dixon. Late Monday night, Foxx announced DeOndra’s death, writing on Instagram that she had "transitioned" to the other side. Dixon was only 36 years old.“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,” wrote Foxx. Sharing several pictures of himself and Dixon together, Foxx went on to describe his sister as a "bright light" who was always the first one on the dance floor at any party. “Well I know she is in heaven now dancing with her wings on.”Foxx shared some of his sister’s incredible accomplishments in his post, which included becoming an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “Deondra you have left a hole in my heart, but I will fill it with all of the memories that you gave me,” wrote Foxx. “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.”
Foxx was 16 when his younger sister was born to his mother, Louise Annette Dixon, and his stepfather George Dixon. DeOndra and Foxx’s parents moved in with the actor after DeOndra finished high school in their native Texas and the pair lived together up until DeOndra’s death. DeOndra often appeared on the red carpet and at events with her famous older brother, including making appearances in his “Blame It” music video and dancing on stage with him at the 2010 Grammys.
In her profile page for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, DeOndra speaks lovingly about her family and says they supported her in all of her endeavors, including the nine years she spent participating in the Special Olympics.[video_embed id='2063731']RELATED: Michael B. Jordan could make his directorial debut with 'Creed 3' [/video_embed]After meeting on set of the “Blame It” music video, Quincy Jones presented DeOndra with the inaugural Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2011 for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. On Monday night, Jones posted an extensive tribute to Dixon, whom he lovingly referred to as his "lil buddy.""Man, words truly can’t even begin to express just how heavy of a loss this is," the famed producer wrote. "I met DeOndra when she was just a kid, through her big brother (and all-around guardian angel), [Jamie Foxx] and there was no doubt in my mind that this girl was a star.”“She not only showed us what it meant to live a full life with Down syndrome, but she showed us what it meant to live a full LIFE. Plain and simple,” continued Jones. “As difficult as this one is, I know she has truly made this planet a better place, and just like me, I know those of you who knew her are better off for it.”
In 2018, Foxx appeared on the Today Show with his younger sister, whom he said has had a "light on since she was born." The Oscar winner credited DeOndra with teaching him how to live. “Sometimes we get caught up in our world on the extras of everything,” said Foxx. “Then you see this girl over here and I just want to live. I just want to dance. I want to love. She brings you back down to what life is.”[video_embed id='2062931']BEFORE YOU GO: Food reviewer sets up a tiny restaurant for chipmunks [/video_embed]
