LOS ANGELES — Stephen "Twitch" Boss' wife and dance partner Allison Holker paid tribute Wednesday to the late dancer and TV personality.
In a statement provided to the Los Angeles Times, Holker confirmed the death of her husband, with whom she shared three children: Weslie Fowler, 14, Maddox Laurel, 6, and Zaia, 3. Boss, who was also a DJ and co-executive producer for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," died by suicide Tuesday in an Encino hotel room. He was 40.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us," Holker, 34, said in her statement. "Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans."
Boss and Holker each competed on "So You Think You Can Dance" and bonded over their love for dance. Boss, who specialized in hip-hop, and Holker, who specialized in contemporary jazz, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary Saturday and spread joy by frequently posting videos of themselves dancing together — including one just a couple of days ago — on social media.
"To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt," Holker continued in her statement.
"I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children. Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."
Boss was also remembered fondly by DeGeneres, who shared a photo of herself embracing her colleague on the set of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
"I'm heartbroken," DeGeneres captioned the image on social media. "tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."
Holker was among many in the dance community who mourned the death of Boss. In the comments section of the couple's latest Instagram post, ballet dancer and former "So You Think You Can Dance" contestant Alex Wong wrote, "My heart is broken." Together, Wong and Boss performed one of the most famous "So You Think You Can Dance" routines of all time — a hard-hitting hip-hop number to the tune of Lil Jon's "Outta Your Mind" choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo.
"This morning our [hearts] are broken," the D'umos wrote Wednesday on Instagram. "Rest in peace my friend."
Another "So You Think You Can Dance" alum, Lauren Gottlieb, commented on Instagram, "Heart shattering!!!! Allison my heart is with you!!!!!!"
Others reacting to Boss' death included musician and filmmaker Questlove, comedians Loni Love and Chelsea Handler, author Roxane Gay and writer-producer Steven Canals, as well as actors Kerry Washington, Niecy Nash, Alyssa Milano, Olivia Munn, Monique Coleman and Yvette Nicole Brown.
"I have no words man," Questlove wrote on Instagram. "May his family find resolution in this dark time. May we all find peace of mind in our everyday lives. Everyday is a winding road & you just may never know who is on the edge. ...
"Take time out for yourselves if you feel like you're on the edge. ... Take time out for yourselves & sit in silence people. Time literally heals wounds. Rest In Melody Twitch."
In the comments section of Boss and Holker's most recent dance video, Nash wrote, "Your husband [gave] the world so much joy. I'm so sorry he was suffering this way. ... We are praying for your family."
"Oh my goodness," Munn commented, "my whole heart is with you and your family."
"We are all heartbroken," Coleman commented. "Sending you deepest condolences and SO much love Allison."
On Twitter, Love posted videos from Boss' 40th birthday party, including a clip of him setting goals for a "fourth decade" of "love," "hope" and "light."
"A kind soul and a sweet person," Love captioned the videos. "That is how I will remember Twitch... This was his 40th birthday party .. my heart goes out to his family especially Allison and their beautiful kids.. this is devastating... I love you brother and will miss you dearly."
"The world lost a bright light today," Washington tweeted. "Twitch brought joy and love to people all over the world through music and through dance. My heart is heavy today for his family and all of those who knew and loved him."
"This is just devastating," Gay tweeted. "He was 40. He leaves behind a wife and 3 kids and a legacy of joy and beautiful dance. SMH. This is just very sad."
"He always exuded joy," Canals tweeted. "You never know what a person is dealing with. Check in on your people. RIP Twitch."
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