Jamie Foxx’s Sister DeOndra Dixon Has Passed Away At 36

Jamie Foxx‘s younger sister, DeOndra Dixon, has died at the age of 36. The Oscar and Grammy award-winning actor and singer shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram Monday afternoon.

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… even gave her boyfriend @chrisbrownofficial a run for his money… 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… from dancing in the blame it video… to Dancing on the Grammys… And becoming The ambassador to @globaldownsyndrome… from sliding down my stairs with a grin as wide as the rio grand… to serenading us with all of her music… 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… 💔💔💔

Dixon, who was born on Sept. 6, 1984, in Dallas, Texas, was named the Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation in 2011.

Her brother and other family members were big supporters of Dixon as she participated in Special Olympics, and after she graduated high school she moved to California to live with her Hollywood acting brother.

In her biography on the foundation’s website, Dixon said she was “born to dance,” writing, “I want to be a professional dancer.”

“My brother has given me a chance to do some special things,” Dixon wrote. “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!”

“I always lose the dance battle,” Foxx told PEOPLE at the time. “Because she’s got the good moves.”

“One thing people may not understand is that the person with special needs, the love that they give you is unfiltered,” the actor said. “There is nothing in the way of them loving you and there is nothing in the way of them being upset with you either.”

He added, “You really get the true individual. It’s challenging, but it is moments like this that make it all work. She’s a superstar now.”

Sending condolences to Jamie Foxx and the entire family. Rest easy,
DeOndra Dixon.