R.I.P. Big Freedia Breaks Down at Husband’s Funeral, Stuns Everyone With Heartfelt Tribute

Big Freedia, the vibrant Queen of Bounce from New Orleans, is known for her infectious energy and joyous spirit. But at the funeral of her longtime partner, Devon Hurst, fans and loved ones saw a side of Freedia rarely revealed—raw, vulnerable, and deeply human.

The packed church fell silent as Freedia delivered a tribute that was more than a farewell; it was a confession of love, pain, and resilience that moved everyone present.

Devon Hurst was more than just Freedia’s partner for over a decade—he was her anchor, managing her business behind the scenes and offering unwavering support as she shattered barriers as a queer, Black, gender-nonconforming artist. Their relationship was private, shielded from the spotlight, but their bond was undeniable.

Unknown to most, Devon had been battling severe diabetes, quietly enduring hospital visits, nerve damage, and complications that made daily life a struggle. Through it all, Freedia stood by him, often canceling her own commitments to care for him in his final months.

Devon’s last days were spent at home, surrounded by love rather than hospital machines. When he passed away peacefully, it was Freedia who held his hand.

At his funeral, dressed in white and hiding her tears behind sunglasses, Freedia initially sat quietly. But as the service progressed, she rose to speak, her voice trembling with emotion.

She spoke candidly about Devon’s quiet bravery and how their love had survived fame, illness, and the pressures of public life. “He was my protector in a world that never protected me,” she confessed, leaving the church in stunned silence.

Then, in a spontaneous act that would go viral, Freedia joined the choir to sing a gospel version of “I’ll Fly Away”—Devon’s favorite hymn. Halfway through, she changed the lyrics to, “He flew away but left his strength in me,” a personal message that resonated deeply with everyone present.

The performance was raw and imperfect, but it was real, prompting a standing ovation and a flood of social media tributes.

In the days after the funeral, Freedia surprised fans by channeling her grief into action. She announced the launch of the Devon Hurst Foundation for Diabetic Awareness, aiming to provide free screenings, education, and support to underserved Black communities.

“Devon’s condition was manageable, but we didn’t always have the right information,” she shared, determined to turn her pain into purpose.

Adding another layer of emotion, Freedia later revealed a private letter Devon had written before he died. In a livestream, she read a line that quickly went viral: “Don’t mourn me forever.

Sing louder, dance harder, and love like we never ran out of time.” The hashtag #LoveLikeWeNeverRanOut trended, inspiring others to share their own stories of loss and resilience.

Through her heartbreak, Freedia has shown that grief can be transformed into healing and hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that even the brightest stars carry heavy hearts, but with courage and love, they can turn tragedy into a legacy of purpose and inspiration.