Cherry Valentine death updates — Shocked fans pay tribute to 28-year-old RuPaul’s Drag Race star on social media
RUPAUL'S Drag Race star Cherry Valentine passed away last week at 28 years old, leaving fans shocked.
The family of Cherry, also known as George Ward, announced his death in a statement Friday morning, prompting tributes from fans, friends, and fellow drag stars.
Fans are remembering Cherry along with two other stars from the show, Chi Chi DeVayne, and Sahara Davenport.
One fan tweeted, "If there is a heaven, Chi Chi Devayne and Cherry Valentine will be planning to put on the gig of the century. What a show it would be."
DeVayne passed away in 2020 after complications from scleroderma and pneumonia, while Davenport died in 2012 from heart failure at the age of 27.
Read our Cherry Valentine live blog for the latest news and updates…
Cherry's Instagram flooded with messages
Friends and fans of the drag star are taking to to post tributes to Cherry's recent photo.
Drag performer Katy Bahm commented, "Rest in power queen."
Another comment read, "I am just in shock hearing the news, literally bawled my eyes out.
You brought such joy when I needed it the most."
A passion for mental health
George Ward, also known as Cherry Valentine, trained as a mental health nurse in 2015.
In April, Ward took to Instagram writing: “I became a Mental Health Nurse in 2015 for a lot of reasons, the main one being that I just wanted to help those who needed it.
“It’s extremely difficult for one person to change a system, and a societal view, but the positive collaborative work between people really does have the power to change the world, raise awareness, shed light, and that is what campaigns like this can continue to do.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race shares condolences
The RuPaul’s Drag Race account expressed condolences on Twitter this morning.
The show’s page shared a message from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK announcing the passing of Cherry Valentine.
“Rest in peace, Cherry Valentine,” the US account posted. “Thank you for sharing your art with all of us. You will be so missed.”
Full statement from Cherry Valentine’s family revealed
In a statement, his devastated family said: “It is with the most heart wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away.
“This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced.
“As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same.
“We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched.
“All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time.
“We love you Georgie. 30 November 1993 – 18 September 2022.”
Brittany Broski posts tribute
Social media personality Brittany Broski posts a on Twitter for her friend, Cherry.
Brittany said Cherry "was one of my favorite queens and a truly wonderful friend. I am absolutely devastated.
"We had so many plans to be together in the new year."
Cherry's most memorable moments on the show
Fans are looking back on Cherry's most memorable moments on RuPaul's Drag Race.
Those who watch the show will remember in a tight black and red jumpsuit with flared sleeves and a headpiece so tall it knocked against the top of the doorway.
After laughing it off and redoing the entrance, Cherry stated, "Roses are red and violets are blue, here's your winner of season two."
Star found fame on series two
George, who died on Sunday, appeared on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, before launching a TV career and fronting the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud.
He was raised in Darlington, County Durham, as part of the Traveller community and qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015, before starting his career in drag.
In December 2020, George was announced as one of 12 contestants competing in the second series of the UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
RuPaul’s condolences
RuPaul, the host and head judge of RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared his condolences in response to the passing of Cherry Valentine on Twitter.
He wrote: “So sad to hear. A bright star and a lovely person.
“@TheCValentine Always in our hearts.”
Cherry Valentine appeared on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
BBC Three shares documentary amidst Cherry's death
Cherry's "Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud" premiered on BBC Three earlier this year.
The film followed George's life coming out while being a part of the Gypsy community.
After feeling rejected, he left his Gypsy identity behind and created his alter ego, "Cherry Valentine."
The tweeted in honor of George's passing, praising him for wanting to be an inspiration for himself.
They added, "We are incredibly proud to have been able to make a powerful documentary with him about the traveler LGBTQ+ community, which he was so passionate about."
More Drag Race alumni send condolences
RuPaul's Drag Race season 13 contestant, Gottmik posted a for Cherry on her Twitter account.
She stated, "I love you and your insane artistry forever."
All-Star season 5 contestant, Shea Coulee to the list of tributes saying she was "so incredibly sad."
Shea said of Cherry, "She was an incredible artist, and her impact will be felt for a long time. Rest In Peace queen."
Cherry was a 'healer'
RuPaul's Drag Race All-Star Scarlet Envy posted a tribute on Twitter calling Cherry a "healer."
Scarlet added, "Sending love to family, friends, and community grieving the loss of this beautiful person. Rest In Peace."
RuPaul's net worth explained
According to , RuPaul has an estimated net worth of approximately $60million, as of September 2022.
RuPaul's main source of wealth is said to be from his versatile career as a talk show host, actor, singer, model, author, and television producer.
He also earns income from brand endorsements and sponsorship.
RuPaul's Drag Race UK second series cast
In December 2020, George was announced as one of 12 contestants competing in the second series of the UK version of RuPaul's Drag Race with drag icon, RuPaul, as host.
The full cast of the second series included:
- Tayce
- Lawrence Chaney
- Cherry Valentine
- Tia Kofi
- Bimini Bon Boulash
- Ginny Lemon
- Veronica Green
- Sister Sister
- Joe Black
- Ellie Diamond
- Asttina Mandella
- A'Whora
According to .
Fans continue to mourn the loss
A fan of Cherry Valentine posted to Twitter: "cherry valentine is the kindest person i have ever met.
"she has brought me so much happiness i am endlessly grateful for her and inspired by her. i love you"
Cherry Valentine - real name George Ward - tragically passed away on Sunday.
His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
'Every day is Valentine's Day."
Cherry found herself in the bottom two in the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and had to lip sync for her life against Tayce to Memory by Elaine Paige.
Ru decided to save Tayce and told Cherry: "Roses are red, violets are blue, you're Cherry Valentine and we'll miss you."
As she headed to the workroom alone, she said tearfully:
"I've learned to always be yourself, don't give a s**t about what everyone else thinks about you, you do you. Every day is Valentine's Day."
George has a heart to heart
In the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, the main challenge was the queens having to perform in Rats: The Rusical.
As they got ready, George had a heart to heart with Sister Sister.
He explained to Sister Sister that he was the only gay person in his family or in his community that he could think of, while in the pieces speaking to camera he admitted he still didn't feel "fully proud" to say he was gay because of his conflict with his upbringing.
But he added: "I don't want to forget about it because I love my heritage, I love my family more than anything, but there comes a point where you have to realise it's your life and you shouldn't live your life for other people."
George was prom king
In February 2021, George captioned a throwback Instagram post:
"I won prom king at high school and now I'm a queen 🥴🥰😅
"This pic came up in my memories today and really made me think... It's so true that we should never look back, only to see how far we've come, and I can appreciate how far I've come looking at this!! 🤣"
He continued by gratefully reflecting on his journey and giving a shoutout to his 'handful' of 'bestest friends.'
Cherry Valentine represented her hometown
Cherry took part in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, alongside the likes of Bimini Bon-Boulash, Joe Black and eventual winner, Lawrence Chaney.
One of multiple looks the queens had to serve was 'queen of your hometown' and Cherry chose a Victorian black ensemble.
Discussing her outfit, she said: "I'm walking down the runway and I'm feeling the steam punk Victorian fantasy and I'm representing the town of Darlington right now.
"One of the main places in Darlington is the town clock so I'm rocking out with my clock out."
Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen And Proud
As Cherry's documentary, Gypsy Queen and Proud, was released in January, she gave an inspiring message to her supporters.
In an Instagram caption she wrote: "I have so much to share and get into with all of this, but for now I just hope you can all watch, and know you are loved.
Go stream!!!✨❤️"
Fans express their condolences
A fan who took to Twitter expressing their condolences said:
"so sad and heartbreaking that cherry valentine just passed away. too soon. too young.
"long live to this iconic drag queen. her art will never be forgotten. #CherryValentine"
'Our lives will never be the same.'
In a statement revealing the news George Ward's death, his family said: "This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced.
"As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same.
"We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched."
'Keep streaming, sharing, screaming!!'
After the release of her single 'Aesthetic' in April 2021, Cherry Valentine took to Instagram to give thanks for the support. She wrote in her caption:
"Less than 24hrs since the release of 'Aesthetic', and I am BLOWN AWAY by the support and love for it! It's about knowing your power, self love, and owning who 👏 you 👏 ARE.
"This track was the start of a journey, and a huge turning point over the last year, so thank you so much for FEELING THE ENERGY! 🙏
"Keep streaming, sharing, screaming!! THANK YOU!! 🍒🩸😭🙏"
Cherry Valentine's music career
In April 2021, Cherry Valentine released her first single 'Aesthetic'
Cherry took to Instagram announcing the release writing: "AESTHETIC IS OUT RIGHT NOW!! Available to stream, download, SCREAM TOO! 😭
"I hope you enjoy this track as much as I loved creating it!! 🙌
"The Official LYRIC video is also available RIGHT NOW on my Youtube - LINK IN BIO! 😈🙏🙌"
Fellow RuPaul's Drag Race star pays tribute
Ellie Diamond, who starred alongside Cherry Valentine in RuPaul's Drag Race, paid tribute writing: "I am so sad to even begin thinking about posting this!
"Cherry brought so much life and laughs to whatever situation!
“Always someone who was caring and loving, her laugh lightened up a room like fireworks and will forever have a cherry red place in all our hearts! I love you my sister you will be missed!”
Nominated for an NTA
In a May 2022 Instagram caption, George writes: "We've been nominated for an NTA! 🤯
"Gypsy Queen & Proud has been nominated for best 'Authored Documentary' at this years National Television Awards 2022 @officialntas 😭
"It's so humbling that its getting this level of recognition alongside some incredible shows and people. Let's make that shortlist! Please go vote!! (There's a link in my bio! ❤️❤️)"