Celebrities from all across Hollywood have spoken in on Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ sudden death. He committed suicide when he was 40 years old.
Allison Holker Boss, the former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ’s wife, confirmed the news in an emotional message she sent on Wednesday.
Allison, 34, said of her husband, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform my husband Stephen has left us.” “ Stephen brought light into every room he entered. Above all, he valued his family, friends, and community.
He believed that the greatest way to lead was with love and light. He was the cornerstone of our family, the best husband and father, and an example to his followers.
It would be an understatement to say he left a legacy, and his positive influence will continue. There won’t be a day that we don’t remember him; I’m confident.”
As the So You Think You Can Dance judge’s death broke, Hollywood’s A-listers sent their condolences.
Nigel Lythgoe, creator and judge of SYTYCD, said he was “heartbroken and grieved” and “at a loss to understand how someone as adored and inspirational to so many people as Stephen was would feel they are in such a dark place that they have no other choice than to take their life.”
“With Twitch, it is incomprehensible to me,” he remarked. “He was usually upbeat and smiling. Everyone he met admired him. Today will be a terrible day for the dance community, but my heart goes to his wife, Allison, and their children.
It is vital to recognize that mental illness is a severe problem that sometimes goes unnoticed by our loved ones. We must be mindful that, while this is a joyous time of year for many of us, tension and bad feelings appear to be heightened in certain people.”
Tiffany Maher, another SYTYCD alum, told PEOPLE, “My heart is devastated. Stephen “Twitch” was a shining example. He was friendly and motivating. I’m so glad I met him. He will be remembered and missed. Allison and her children are in our thoughts and prayers.”
The organizations behind SYTYCD, Fox Entertainment, 19 Entertainment, and Dick Clark Productions, issued the following statement to PEOPLE: “Because of the happiness and joy that Stephen “tWitch” Boss brought into our lives and the lives of so many others, we will never forget him. We mourn with his family, loved ones, and fans the tragic, terrible loss of such brilliant, undeniable talent and close friend. ‘tWitch,’ you will be dearly missed.”
Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart, Boss’ mentor, also issued PEOPLE a message mourning his loss. “Today, a talented man with a decent heart and many followers and lovers who loved him died. His contagious and genuine smile instantly brightened anyone who came into contact with Stephen. Although we are devastated by Stephen’s death, his warmth and spirit will be remembered for his contributions to the arts and our hearts.”
Condolences were also pouring in on social media. In response to the tragic news, Ellen DeGeneres sent a nice message and a photo of the pair hugging.
“I’m devastated. “tWitch was only pure light and love.” She made a post on Instagram. “I had nothing but love to give him because he was my family. He will be missed. Please extend your love and support to Allison and his three gorgeous children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, who frequently appeared on the Ellen show, posted a photo of Boss’s family to Instagram with the caption, “I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! Initiative and visits to The Ellen Show.”
“Stephen was a dynamic man who made certain that everyone in his vicinity felt the compassion and happiness he emitted. Every dance, every DJ performance, and every creative product he created was alive with his spirit.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Allison, and their three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia,” she continued. “And please know that you are never alone if you are hurting and need someone to talk to. Someone is always willing to help. Dial 988 to reach the suicide and crisis hotline by phone or text.”
Jennifer Lopez shared numerous photos on Instagram with Boss, with whom she collaborated on the World of Dance. “Twitch has such a beautiful and loving soul. Shocked and heartbroken. “Sending you love and strength, @sir twitch alot, his wife, and their children,” she wrote.