World's oldest drag queen dies at 92

casket flowers
Photo credit Getty Images

The Guinness World Record holder for oldest drag queen performer is no longer with us.

Darcelle XV died Thursday at the age of 92.

Her Portland, Oregon, cabaret announced the news on social media.

"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," the club wrote on Instagram.

Darcelle XV was crowned the oldest drag queen by Guinness World Records in 2016 when she was just shy of 86 years-old.

The Darcelle XV Showplace, which she owned, is also "the West Coast's longest running drag show." The club was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, making it the first site in Oregon to be honored for its significance in LGBTQ+ history, according to Guinness.

Cole, an Army veteran, first became Darcelle after finding a love for theatre and performing in local productions, according to Guinness.

"What I love about performing is the audience, and you never know, I still get butterflies when I'm waiting to go through that curtain," Darcelle told Guinness in 2017.

A public memorial is being planned.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images