Actor and singer Jamie Foxx has played many roles throughout his career, but the one he’ll never forget? Being DeOndra Dixon’s older brother.
Since the day DeOndra came into his life, Foxx has cherished every joyful moment. That’s why it’s so hard for him to say goodbye. On October 26, the 52-year-old shared that his beloved sister had passed away at 36. But her bright light shines on in her brother.
Born with Down syndrome, DeOndra faced every day with a smile, radiating happiness wherever she went. And while she was 16 years younger than her brother, she taught him about the important things in life.
“I learned how to live. Sometimes we get caught up in our world on the extras of everything – ‘Ah, the Mercedes is not the right color!'” he told NBC News correspondent Kate Snow in 2018. “And then you see this girl over here. ‘I just want to live. I want to dance. I want to love.’ She brings you back down to what life is.”
The pair had lived together in Foxx’s home ever since DeOndra graduated from high school in 2002. Foxx insisted on caring for her, and his sister repaid him with some of the happiest years of his life.
Some of Foxx’s favorite memories of DeOndra were dancing at the Grammys together and when she brought her moves to his “Blame It” music video. And he couldn’t have been more proud when she became an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Words can’t come close to describing how special their bond was, or how devastated Jamie is to lose DeOndra so young. But even through the veil of his grief, he can see how lucky he was to have known and loved such a beautiful soul.
“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,” Foxx wrote. “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.”
Rest in peace, DeOndra. Your life was short, but your light was brilliant. And it will never go out in your brother’s heart.
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