The love story between RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne (James Lee Williams) and David Paul Ludford was one that captivated fans, both for its whirlwind nature and its deep emotional bonds. From their serendipitous meeting in Gran Canaria to their eventual heartbreak, their relationship was filled with intense moments, unforgettable memories, and an undeniable connection. Although their marriage ended after four years, their journey together left an indelible mark on both their lives, and the tragic passing of The Vivienne in 2025 has prompted a heartfelt reflection on their shared history.
Here's ads banner inside a post
The First Spark: Meeting in Gran Canaria
The beginning of The Vivienne and Ludford’s love story took place in the summer of 2017. While vacationing in Gran Canaria, Spain, the two met by chance, but it was an instant connection. Ludford later described how they “clicked straight away” and knew from the moment they met that they were meant to be together. It was an electric attraction that seemed to transcend time and place, igniting a whirlwind romance that would soon become one of the most talked-about relationships in the world of entertainment.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Their bond deepened quickly, and in just under a year, they were already contemplating their future together. The Vivienne, ever the romantic, proposed to Ludford during a trip to Las Vegas in May 2018, a gesture that showcased their deep commitment and love for one another. She later shared on social media how she had dropped to her knee 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, an unforgettable moment that set the tone for their relationship.
The Wedding Bells: A Joyous Celebration
December 2019 marked a pivotal moment in their journey when The Vivienne and Ludford tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony. The couple had been dating for nearly two years by this point, and their wedding was a culmination of their shared dreams and deep affection. The Vivienne, a star on RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared their joy with the world through heartfelt Instagram posts, gushing about their love for Ludford and the happiness their marriage had brought them.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(742x410:744x412)/The-Vivienne-James-Lee-Williams-tout-1624-5e445d7d347e4d449b5a51b8ed12a1c3.jpg)
Here's ads banner inside a post
As newlyweds, the couple seemed inseparable. Their love was not only evident in their social media posts, but it also spilled over into their professional lives, with Ludford supporting The Vivienne in her career and the drag queen often sharing sweet moments with her fans. The couple’s chemistry was undeniable, and they appeared to be living the fairytale they had always dreamed of.
The First Anniversary: A Milestone of Love
In December 2020, The Vivienne and Ludford celebrated their first wedding anniversary. The Vivienne shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing how much her husband had changed her life for the better. She called him her “beautiful husband” and mentioned how she loved him “more now than ever.” The anniversary was a reminder to both The Vivienne and her fans that love was at the core of their relationship, even as they navigated the ups and downs of public life.
Their love was on display during special moments like trips to places that held meaning for them. In January 2022, the couple took a special trip back to Gran Canaria, the place where they had first met. The Vivienne reflected on the memories they had made and how it felt to return to the very spot where their love story began. The trip served as a reminder of their shared history, solidifying the bond they had built over the years.
A New Chapter: Homeownership and Growing Together
In October 2022, the couple celebrated a new milestone—buying their first home together. It was a huge step in their relationship, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The Vivienne was ecstatic, sharing her excitement with her followers as she posted a video of herself and Ludford receiving the keys to their new home. The caption read: “Today we got the keys to our new house! So happy for this new chapter.” It was a symbol of their commitment to building a future together, one that was grounded in stability, love, and shared dreams.
However, despite these milestones and memories, there were cracks in the foundation of their relationship that would soon come to light.
The Breakup: A Heartfelt Decision
In April 2023, The Vivienne and Ludford made the decision to part ways after being married for four years. Their breakup was amicable, and they made it clear that their decision was rooted in personal growth rather than animosity. The Vivienne posted a statement on Facebook, acknowledging that “life gets in the way and people grow apart,” but emphasized that they would always remain friends. This announcement came as a shock to many, as the couple had seemed so deeply connected.
Despite their separation, it was clear that they both held each other in high regard. The Vivienne and Ludford’s friendship endured, even after the end of their romantic relationship, and they continued to support each other in the months following their split.
The Tragic Death of The Vivienne
In January 2025, tragedy struck when The Vivienne passed away at the age of 32. The news shocked the world, as fans and loved ones were left to grapple with the sudden loss of a talented and beloved figure. The cause of death was not immediately revealed, though police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her passing.
For Ludford, the loss was devastating. In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Ludford expressed his grief, writing, “My heart literally sank when I got the call!! My heart is shattered!!” His words spoke volumes about the depth of their bond, and the sorrow he felt in losing someone who had been such a pivotal part of his life. Ludford shared how much they had been through together, calling their time as a couple a “whirlwind,” and emphasized that despite their divorce, the love they had shared could never be erased.
In subsequent posts, Ludford shared more personal memories of The Vivienne, including throwback photos from their time together. He described feeling lost and numb, acknowledging how hard it was to process the reality of her passing. “Fly high angel and keep shining,” he wrote, bidding farewell to the person who had once been his everything.
Reflecting on Their Legacy
The relationship between The Vivienne and David Paul Ludford was a testament to the power of love, connection, and growth. Though their marriage ended, the memories they created together remained a beautiful part of their shared history. Their story serves as a reminder that love is not always linear—it’s full of highs and lows, joys and heartbreaks. In the end, it’s the moments we cherish that define us.
As the world mourns the loss of The Vivienne, David Paul Ludford’s tributes stand as a reminder of the deep emotional connection they shared. Their love story, though brief, was marked by passion, adventure, and an unbreakable bond that will live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
Their journey, though filled with sorrow, remains an example of how love can transcend time, distance, and even death.
