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Jamie Foxx says ‘heart is shattered’ after sister DeOndra Dixon dies aged 36

Jamie Foxx is mourning the death of his younger sister, DeOndra Dixon. (Denver Post via Getty Images)
Jamie Foxx is mourning the death of his younger sister, DeOndra Dixon. (Denver Post via Getty Images)

Jamie Foxx's younger sister, DeOndra Dixon, has died at the age of 36, the actor has said.

Foxx shared the news on Instagram, posting a gallery of photos of him and Dixon, who was born with Down syndrome, from throughout the years.

“My heart is shattered into a million pieces... my beautiful loving sister Deondra has transitioned,” Foxx began in a heartfelt tribute. "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 continued, before joking, "Even gave her boyfriend @chrisbrownofficial a run for his money…"

Dixon was born to Foxx's mother, Louise Annette Dixon, and his stepfather, George Dixon, in Dallas, Texas, in 1984. She began participating in the Special Olympics when she was in the sixth grade and had aspirations of becoming a professional dancer.

In 2011, Dixon was named an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. On an autobiography page on the organization's website, she wrote, "I feel I was born to dance."

“My brother has given me a chance to do some special things,” she 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 Grammys!"

Foxx looked back on those treasured memories in his Instagram tribute, writing, "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..."

He continued: "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 also eulogized Dixon in a loving tribute, calling her "a beacon of hope, a true leader and role model whose aim was to always help others. … DeOndra is already sorely missed, but she will never be forgotten."

In a Dateline interview in 2018, Foxx reflected on his and Dixon's bond, crediting his sister with giving his life perspective.

"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!'" the Oscar-winning actor said. "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."