Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx said “my heart is shattered into a million pieces” following the death of his younger sister at the age of 36.
Foxx said Deondra Dixon, who had Down’s syndrome and was an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, “is in heaven now dancing with her wings on”.
The Oscar-winning star, 52, shared an emotional tribute to his sister on Instagram.
Foxx, 52, posted: “Deondra… I love you with every ounce of me.”
Alongside pictures of the pair together, the Ray and Django Unchained star wrote: “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.”
He added: “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.”
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation said Dixon died on 19 October.
A tribute published on the Foundation’s website read: “Deondra was brought into this world in a loving family who treated her like any other family member. They gave her the gifts of complete acceptance, confidence, and knowledge. They empowered her to graduate with a regular diploma from high school and to take life by storm, which, if you knew Deondra, she absolutely did.
“We have lost our talented, intelligent, feisty, beautiful, kind, loving, caring, pure and giving heart, DeOndra Dixon. Our Down syndrome community has lost a beacon of hope, a true leader, and role model whose aim was to always help others. She was a bright light in this world of ours.”
Dixon’s profile on the foundation’s website reads: “I feel I was born to dance. I want to be a professional dancer. 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 Grammys!
“I know my family loves me. They never set limits and always make me feel I can touch the sky.”
