Rapper & Bounce Star Big Freedia Mourns The D*ath Of Her Partner Of 20 Years, Devon Hurst

Rapper Big Freedia has announced the passing of her longtime partner, Devon Hurst. He was 38.

via: People

The "Explode" musician, 47, posted to Instagram on Thursday, May 15 with an emotional post to announce Hurst's death, caused by "complications from diabetes," and pay tribute to his life.

"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," began Freedia.

The New Orleans artist explained Hurst is survived by his mother Chareen, sisters Meshonda, Stephany and Jayla, brothers Steven, Stephon and Malcolm, daughter Zyrielle, son Davone, nieces and nephews and "partner" Freddie Ross Jr.

"He will deeply missed by everyone in this community who knew him and loved him," said Freedia. "We take comfort in knowing he is free from any pain and suffering, and is at peace in the loving arms of Jesus Christ."

Concluding the post, she asked for prayers and privacy, telling fans, "Public services will be announced once completed."

In a June 2023 interview with AnOther Mag, Freedia spoke about believing in love in first sight. "I experienced it with my partner, and we’ve been together going on 18 years," she said at the time. "It’s our love that’s kept us together."

Some of Freedia's friends and fellow musicians left supportive comments underneath her post announcing Hurst's death.

"My God @bigfreedia we are praying and lifting yours and his families name," wrote Grammy winner Monica. "May God grant you all peace that surpassed understanding ❤️ we love you !!!"

Faith Evans also left a message, writing, "My prayers & condolences to you boo."

Hours after sharing the initial post, Freedia returned to Instagram with a celebratory post for her sister Crystal's birthday — in which she acknowledged Hurst's death.

"Happy Birthday to my Baby Sister," she wrote. "She knows how much her words can even explain she knows the pain her brother is in rn."

Freedia then got candid about feeling "devastated, heartbroken and very sad."

"I’ll make it up to promise you," she wrote to Crystal. "I love you we gone have many more to celebrate."

Last month, Freedia released the single "Sunday Best" with Tamar Braxton, set to appear on her upcoming gospel album.