Diamond From ‘Diamond and Silk’ Dead: Lynette Hardaway’s Cause of Death Unclear

Diamond, the conservative pundit who was part of the pro-Trump YouTuber duo “Diamond and Silk” with her sister, has died, former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on January 9, 2023. Her real name was Lynette Hardaway.

Trump wrote that Diamond’s cause of death was “probably her big and precious HEART just plain” giving out, although it’s not clear whether that will be her official cause of death from the medical examiner’s office. The “Diamond and Silk” Twitter account confirmed Monday night that Diamond was dead. She rose to fame in Republican circles alongside her sister, Rochelle Hardaway Richardson, known as Silk, after they started promoting Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016.

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell told The Daily Beast that he learned she had died from Trump’s post but knew she “had been sick,” but he did not say with what illness.

The Daily Beast reported that, after the pair’s Twitter page asked followers to pray for Lynette Hardaway in November, Hardaway “briefly returned to her show in December dismissing unsourced online reports” that she had been hospitalized with COVID-19, calling them “fake news.” Her last episode with the “Diamond and Silk” show was on December 15, 2022, Daily Beast reported.

“Diamond and Silk” tweeted on November 26, 2022, “Anyone who believes in the power of prayer please pray for Diamond.”

Public records obtained by Heavy give her full name as Ineitha Lynnette Hardaway and say she was 51.

“The World just lost a True Angel and Warrior Patriot for Freedom, Love, and Humanity!” Diamond and Silk wrote on GiveSendGo, referring to Diamond as Lynette Hardaway.

“Diamond blazed a trail, founded on her passion and love for the entire race of humanity. The memory of her passing should forever remain in our hearts. In this time of grief, please respect the privacy of Diamond’s family but remember and celebrate the gift that she gave us all!”

Here’s what you need to know:

Trump Wrote That Diamond’s Death ‘Was Totally Unexpected’

GettyPresident Donald Trump (R) listens as Lynette ‘Diamond’ Hardaway (L) and Rochelle ‘Silk’ Richardson praise him during a news conference and meeting with African American supporters in the Cabinet Room at the White House February 27, 2020 in Washington, DC.

In his post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that Hardaway had died suddenly.

“Really bad news for Republicans and frankly, ALL Americans,” Trump wrote. “Our beautiful Diamond, of Diamond and Silk, has just passed away at her home in the State she loved so much, North Carolina. Silk was with her all the way, and at her passing,” the former president’s post read.

“There was no better TEAM anywhere, or at any time! Diamond’s death was totally unexpected, probably her big and precious HEART just plain gave out. Rest In Peace our Magnificent Diamond, you will be greatly missed!”

Hardaway & Her Sister Rose to Fame Supporting Trump in YouTube Videos

Hardaway formed the duo “Diamond and Silk” with her sister, Rochelle Hardaway Richardson, according to The Washington Times, first coming to stardom by supporting Trump on YouTube.

Tributes flowed on social media for Diamond as news spread of her death.

“This is truly heartbreaking 💔 This one hit hard,” actor Terrence K. Williams tweeted. “Diamond, of Diamond and Silk has passed away … We will miss you and most definitely will never forget you. Love you forever. Please keep her sister Silk in your prayers. RIP Legend.”

The Twitter page for Ben and Candy Carson wrote, “Diamond of @DiamondandSilk was an incredible person who truly cared about America. I enjoyed going on the show because she was always positive, with a smile, and reminded people why America is so important and worth saving. We send condolences to Silk and Diamond’s entire family.”

Pastor Mark Burns tweeted, “My dear sister Diamond of @DiamondandSilk has gone to be with Jesus. My heart is so heavy tonight because we served on so many events together for so long. I know she was saved and now in the presence of God. We will see you again Diamond. I love you my dear sister. RIH Diamond.”

The Sisters Had Roots in North Carolina

According to the Fayetteville Observer, the sisters were born Ineitha and Herneitha to pastor Betty Willis Hardaway and her husband Freeman. The sisters were called by their middle names and were among five children.

Freeman and Betty Hardaway are called “Elder” and “Evangelist,” according to the newspaper, which described the parents as “local institutions in this community, where the only downtown businesses open on the weekend are two bail bonds shops.”

The couple “evangelized through homemade videos,” the newspaper reported, adding that Diamond was once the owner of a hair salon – and a Democrat, before switching party affiliation.

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