Late 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Vivienne's ex breaks his silence

David Paul Ludfordex-husband of the beloved drag racer and television star Viviennetalks about their time together after the heartbreaking news of their sudden passing.

The drag star, who used the pronouns they/them, rose to fame as the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 and later took part in the seventh season. “RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.”

Vivienne's death was confirmed at the weekend by their manager Simon Jones, who shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram.

“My heart literally sank when I got the call!! My heart is broken!!!,” Ludford wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “Never in a million years did I think I'd ever write something like this about @thevivienne_.”

Ludford reflected on their first meeting in August 2017 on Gran Canaria, Spain, saying they had an instant connection.

“We clicked right away and I knew right away that we were going to be in each other's lives for a long time,” Ludford wrote. “We've literally been through and accomplished so much together. It's been a whirlwind and I wouldn't have traded our time together for anything in the world.”

Although Ludford and Williams had been separated for more than a year, Ludford emphasized that their bond and shared memories will always remain significant.

“You will be missed more than people will ever know,” Ludford concluded. “Sleep tight, angel.”

The touching tribute was accompanied by a carousel of photos, including snapshots from their wedding night and other candid moments during their relationship. Ludford later shared a second post with more photos, writing: “My heart is literally broken, I feel so out of place, I feel lost, I feel numb. Fly high angel and keep shining 💗‍✈️.”

Vivienne and Ludford tied the knot in 2019, with Williams sharing moments from her wedding day on Instagram, including a heartfelt thank you to baker John White for their stunning five-tiered wedding cake.

Their first dance to Lady Gaga's “Always Remember Us This Way” remains a cherished memory for fans and loved ones alike.

In April 2023, the couple announced their separation in a joint Facebook post, sharing, “As many have noticed, David and I have recently separated. We have made the decision to separate after an amazing five and a half years.”

They added: “We are still very much friends, but sometimes life gets in the way and people break up. We wish each other the best and will always be a part of each other's lives.”

Ludford's announcement comes hours after the news was confirmed in a social media post by their manager.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved James Lee Williams Vivienne this weekend,” Jones wrote. “James was an incredibly loved, warm and amazing person. Their family is heartbroken over the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in his life and career.”

He added: “We will not be releasing any further details. We ask that James' family be given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

After the news broke, many members of the RuPaul's Drag Race family took to social media to share their heartfelt appreciation. Among them was Jink Monson, who later won “Drag Race All Stars” season 7, writing, “I am completely speechless… (They) have left (their) mark in our hearts and on (their) stages. . . . early curtain but I know it's a standing ovation.

Michelle Visage, longtime RuPaul's Drag Race host and judge, also expressed her heartbreak in an emotional post on social media. “I don't know how to say how I feel,” Visage said. “We go back to when I first came here in the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. I loved your laugh, your wit, your talent, your drawl, but most of all I loved your friendship .

She added: “Watching you make your West End debut was amazing to see your dream come true in front of my eyes, I'm so lucky to have known you and laughed so many times with you.”