Lizzo is absolutely crushed over the loss of Ms. Shirley Raines.
As we previously reported, the beloved activist was heartbreakingly found dead in her Nevada home. As the founder and CEO of activism group Beauty 2 The Streetz — which helped care for and nurture many homeless populations over the years — it was a devastating loss for many people. Including Lizzo, who had a close friendship with her.
In an Instagram video, the Good As Hell singer sobbed openly as she mourned the loss of her friend:
“Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty2theStreetz, incredible woman, leader in her community, passed away last night. I am devastated. If any of you guys know about any of my Juneteenth gift backs, Shirley has always been a part of them every single year.”
Lizzo went on to say that she often donated lots of her used clothing to the Beauty 2 The Streetz organization, so she had close ties with Ms. Shirley:
“I had so many clothes and I saw that she was going to Skid Row and she was going to homeless communities and she was beautifying them. Helping them feel seen. Helping them feel beautiful, giving them makeovers, haircuts, clothes. And she used to joke like, ‘Girl, everybody be in your clothes. I got on Lizzo’s coat’.”
Aww…
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Lizzo believed in Ms. Shirley’s work so much, in fact, she used her size-inclusive shapewear line YITTY to make more donations to the cause:
“She was like, ‘You made the plus-sized girls so happy, they feel so fly’.”
Not only that, the 37-year-old singer said Ms. Shirley was always there for her — including when the “public was turning its back on me“:
“She was like, ‘Stay encouraged.’ She would always send me messages of love and she never ever, ever asked for anything in return.”
Wrapping up, Lizzo said:
“People like her are rare, special and they deserve to be protected and honored. And I’m so grateful I was able to give her her flowers when she was here … She overserved the underserved and she helped the marginalized feel important. We’re going to miss you and we’re going to need you, Shirley. I’m so sad that you’re gone.”
Devastating. See the video (below):
Lizzo breaks down in tears over the death of activist influencer Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, saying she is “devastated” at the loss of her friend. pic.twitter.com/OnLPQrVAcz
— E! News (@enews) January 29, 2026
Our heart continues to be with Ms. Shirley’s family, friends, and loved ones. The world lost a true gem.
R.I.P.
[Image via Lizzo/Instagram/MEGA/WENN]
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