Legendary drag performer Darcelle XV has died aged 92 (Picture: AP)
The drag community is in mourning following the death of the world’s oldest working drag queen Darcelle XV, who has died aged 92.
The treasured performer, born Walter Cole, died of natural causes in Portland, Oregon on March 23.
Darcelle XV was named the world’s oldest drag performer in 2016 by the Guinness Book of World Records and had a career as an entertainer for an impressive 57 years.
News of their death was confirmed on their official Facebook and Instagram pages with a statement.
It read: ‘The family of Darcelle XV along with her cast and crew are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Darcelle (Walter W. Cole, Sr.) has died at age 92 from natural causes.
‘We ask for privacy and patience as everyone processes and grieves in their own way and at their own pace.’
Darcelle XV died of natural causes in Portland, Oregan (Picture: AP)
Fans, including alumni of RuPaul’s Drag Race, have been paying tribute to the late star.
Mayhem Miller, who appeared in season 10, and Bosco, who competed in season 14, were among those who commented with red love heart emojis.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: ‘Our city, nay, our country has lost an icon. I am humbled to have had the chance to get to know Darcelle’s beautiful soul and quick wit firsthand and will forever treasure my time spent with her. May you forever be, Bold, Blonde, and Beautiful!’
Another said: ‘Rest in peace my dear friend Darcelle XV. Thank you for the years of friendship, love, and laughter.’
Koin News meteorologist Josh Cozart shared a throwback photo of him and Darcelle XV together.
Alongside it, he said: ‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Darcelle XV. 💔
‘The LGBTQ friendly space she built was one of the first queer spaces I felt comfortable in and felt like I belonged. She will be missed greatly.’
Born and raised in Portland on November 16, 1930, Darcelle XV served in the US Armed Forces until sometime after the Korean War in the late 1950s.
Before their first foray into the world of drag, they were married to a woman and had two children.
In 1967, Darcelle XV bought a tavern in northwest Portland which became the drag venue Darcelle XV Showplace.
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It wasn’t until the age of 37 that Darcelle XV first wore a woman’s dress. By 1969, her stage name was born and she had come out as gay.
According to the venue’s website, Darcelle XV Showplace has hosted the longest-running drag show on the West Coast of the US.
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‘Our country has lost an icon.’
