Ex-Husband Of Late 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Star The Vivienne Breaks Silence

David Paul Ludford, ex-husband of beloved drag performer and television star The Vivienne, is opening up about their time together after the heartbreaking news of their sudden passing.

The drag star, who used they/them pronouns, rose to fame as the first-ever winner of "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK" in 2019 and later competed on the seventh season of "RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars."

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

On Monday, January 6, Ludford paid tribute to the late drag icon, born James Lee Williams, who tragically passed away at the age of 32.

"My heart literally sank when I got the call!! My heart is shattered!!!," Ludford wrote in an emotional Instagram post. "Never in a million years did I think I’d ever be writing anything like this about @thevivienne_."

Ludford reflected on their first meeting in August 2017 on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, sharing that they had an instant connection.

"We clicked straight away, and I instantly knew we were going to be in each other’s lives for a long time," Ludford wrote. "We literally went through and did so much together. It was like a whirlwind, and I wouldn’t have changed the time we spent together for anything in the world."

Although Ludford and Williams had been divorced for over a year, Ludford emphasized that their bond and shared memories would always remain significant.

"Going to miss you 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 throughout their relationship. Ludford later shared a second post with more photos, writing, "My heart is literally shattered, I feel so out of place, I feel lost, I feel numb. Fly high, angel, and keep shining 💗‍✈️."

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

Their first dance, set 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 been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways 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 grow apart. We wish each other the absolute best and will always be part of each other’s lives."

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

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has passed away this weekend,” Jones wrote. “James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted, and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."

He added, "We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

After the news broke, numerous members of the RuPaul's Drag Race family shared heartfelt tributes on social media. Among them was Jinkx Monsoon, who later went on to win "Drag Race All Stars" Season 7, writing, “I don’t entirely have words… [They] has made [their] mark in our hearts and on [their] stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation.”

Michelle Visage, longtime host and judge of RuPaul's Drag Race, also expressed her heartbreak in an emotional social media post. “I don’t know how to say how I feel," Visage said. “We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many."

She added, "Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.”