Big Freedia’s Private Heartbreak: The Stunning Tribute to Her Late Partner Devon Hurst

The internet was shaken when Big Freedia, the iconic Queen of Bounce from New Orleans, announced the heartbreaking loss of her longtime partner, Devon Hurst, through a single Instagram post.

The photo showed the couple smiling, but the caption revealed a sorrow few expected: Devon, just 38, had passed away peacefully due to complications from diabetes.

At 47, Rapper Big Freedia Partner Funeral, Her Tribute is STUNNING! -  YouTube

For fans, the news was both shocking and confusing—not only because of the suddenness, but also because so little was known about their relationship.

Big Freedia, famous for her bold personality and electrifying performances, had always kept her private life just that—private. She and Devon had shared 20 years together, a remarkable feat in any walk of life, but especially in the entertainment industry.

Yet, few fans even knew about the depth of their relationship. Some admitted they had never heard Devon’s name before, making the loss feel even more mysterious.

In her tribute, Freedia wrote that Devon had died surrounded by family and was now “in the arms of Jesus Christ.” The message was filled with both love and sorrow, and it left fans with more questions than answers.

Big Freedia loses 20-year partner

Why was such a long love story kept so quiet? Why did Freedia rarely speak about Devon in public?

Looking back, fans realized that Freedia had occasionally hinted at being in love, once describing a relationship that began with “love at first sight,” but she never mentioned Devon by name. In an age where celebrities often overshare every detail of their lives, Freedia’s silence was unusual—and, in this context, deeply meaningful.

As condolences poured in from fans and celebrities like Monica, Tammy Roman, and Phaedra Parks, some began to speculate about the couple’s history. Had they separated at some point?

Big Freedia Mourns The Loss Of Longtime Partner Devon Hurst At 38

Did they face struggles behind closed doors? While none of these rumors were confirmed, the internet buzzed with theories and re-examinations of Freedia’s past interviews and social media posts.

Devon was rarely seen in public with Freedia and had almost no digital footprint alongside her—no red carpet appearances, no anniversary posts, no visible celebrations.

Some fans questioned whether Devon preferred life out of the spotlight or if there was more to the story. A relative reportedly commented, “He loved her deeply but wasn’t built for the spotlight,” hinting at possible struggles with public attention.

Big Freedia Mourns Death of Partner Devon Hurst at 38 | Us Weekly

Freedia’s recent music, especially her gospel bounce track “Sunday Best,” took on new meaning in the wake of Devon’s passing. Lyrics about peace and faith were now seen as a quiet goodbye, suggesting that Freedia had been preparing for this loss in her own way.

Despite the speculation and the controversy that followed, Freedia responded with grace. She didn’t address rumors or defend her choices. Instead, she asked for prayers and focused on her faith, music, and healing. Her tribute to Devon was both a celebration of their private love and a reminder that not all relationships need to be public to be real.

In the end, Big Freedia’s story is about resilience, private grief, and the sacredness of love—sometimes too deep for the world to see, but never less real for being hidden.