Lizzo’s grief played out publicly this week as she mourned the loss of Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines, the tireless activist behind Beauty2TheStreetz. 

In raw Instagram Stories videos shared Wednesday (Jan. 28), the pop star, voice breaking, called Raines "incredible" and said, "I am devastated," describing how Ms. Shirley had been a fixture in her Juneteenth giftbacks and a constant, generous presence for people living on the streets. 

"Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty2theStreetz, incredible woman, leader in her community, passed away last night,"said the hitmaker. "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."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

Raines, 58, was found unresponsive at her Henderson, Nev., home after her daughter called for a welfare check. Her daughter told People that there were “no visible signs” to explain the death and a cause has not yet been released. 

The mother of six had become a social-media fixture herself, building millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok by posting videos of makeovers, food drops and supply runs to homeless communities. 

Lizzo painted a vivid portrait of that work – Raines would go to Skid Row and other homeless encampments to give haircuts, makeovers, clothes and hygiene kits. 

“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,” she explained. "Helping them feel seen." 

The chart-topping recalled donating clothing and even arranging for her YITTY shapewear line to contribute, so plus-size women could "feel so fly," quoting Raines’ joyful reaction. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thrive Causemetics (@thrivecausemetics)

“She was like, ‘You made the plus-sized girls so happy,’” Lizzo recalled. Importantly, Lizzo noted that Raines stood by her during a difficult public moment in 2023, sending encouragement without ever asking for anything in return.

“She was like, ‘Stay encouraged,’ She would always send me messages of love and she never ever, ever asked for anything in return,” Lizzo added. 

Fans known as the Lizzbians immediately mirrored that loyalty. Across social media, supporters poured out condolences for both Raines and Lizzo, posting memories, screenshots of Ms. Shirley’s outreach, and instructions on how to help Beauty2TheStreetz. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shirley Raines (@beauty2thestreetz)

“This is fandom at its finest,” one fan wrote on Instagram. Others posted lists of donation drop-off locations, links to the nonprofit’s pages, and plans to organize local drives and volunteer shifts. Several fans said they felt a responsibility to turn grief into action, collecting clothes, hygiene products and money to keep Raines’ work moving forward.

For many Lizzbians, supporting Beauty2TheStreetz is both tribute and continuation, a way to honor Raines by ensuring the underserved she championed still receive haircuts, clothing and the small but profound kindnesses she delivered.

“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 said.