Big Freedia has announced the death of her partner of 20 years, Devon Hurst, in a heartbreaking social media post. He was 38.
The rapper (real name Freddie Ross Jr.) took to Instagram on Thursday, May 15 to share the news and grieve the loss of her longtime partner, who died from complications of diabetes.
“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, 47, wrote.
The post continued: “He is survived by his mother Chareen Hurst, his sisters Meshonda, Stephany and Jayla, his brothers, Steven ,Stephon and Malcolm, his daughter Zyrielle, his son Davone and his nieces and nephews and his partner Freddie Ross Jr.”
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Alongside a photo of the couple, Freedia went on to say how much Hurst would be missed by those he left behind.
“He will [be] deeply missed by everyone in this community who knew him and loved him.
We take comfort in knowing he is free from any pain and suffering, and is at peace in the loving arms of Jesus Christ 
” she wrote. “The Hurst and Ross Family Ask at this time. For everyone to say a prayer for our family and Please Respect Our Privacy!! Public services will be announced once completed!”
Fans were able to see an insight into Freedia’s relationship with Hurst during several episodes of the reality show, Big Freedia Bounces Back, which ran from 2013 to 2017.
“Devon is my other half, he can make me go up, and he can make me go down,” Freedia said in a recap video posted via YouTube in 2018.
For his part, Hurst said in the same clip of their relationship: “Freedia’s love runs deep within me, deep like the ocean, ya hear me?”
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In an interview with Another Mag in June 2023, Freedia referenced Hurst when she was asked if she believed in love at first sight.
“Most def. I experienced it with my partner, and we’ve been together going on 18 years. It’s our love that’s kept us together,” she told the outlet.
Two months earlier, Freedia spoke with The Bitter Southerner about the ups and downs that come with a relationship that spanned almost two decades, admitting they were in “a rough place” at that time.
“Life takes its share of changes,” she told the publication, adding: “When you love somebody, you endure the good and the bad and that’s what it’s about right now. Just trying to stick in there with him because I love him so much.”
