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Jamie Foxx is mourning the loss of his younger sister, DeOndra Dixon, who passed away at 36.

Photo by Allison Farden/Getty Images

“My heart is shattered into a million pieces,” wrote the NAACP Image Award winner in an emotional Instagram post on Monday (Oct. 26). “My beautiful loving sister Deondra has transitioned… I say transitioned because she will always be alive.”

“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.”

In 2011, the Dallas, Texas native was named the Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. According to her biography, she participated in Special Olympics for over 9 years winning several awards and medals. The dance-aficionado also noted that she was born to dance and shared that “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 Grammy’s!”

Photo by Jason G. Bahr/Getty Images

It’s clear that the love Foxx had for his sister was well received and returned as she also mentioned that “[Her family] never set limits and always always make me feel I can touch the sky.”

“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…”

In a 2011 People interview, the actor shared that he and his family “weren’t trippin’ on the fact that she had Down syndrome. We were trippin’ on the fact that she was cute. She was this little chocolate ball.”

Foxx also credits his sister for giving his life perspective during a 2018 Dateline interview.

“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!'” he 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.”

We’re sending light and love to their family during this difficult time. 

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