Found family. Allison Holker is receiving support from all corners of the professional dance world after the death of her husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, December 14, that the former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ died at age 40 in Los Angeles one day prior. His death was reported a suicide. Holker, 34, addressed the heartbreaking loss in a statement, remembering Boss as “an inspiration to his fans” and a loving partner.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. 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,” she told People on Wednesday. “He was the backbone of our family. … To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt.”
The former Dancing With the Stars pro continued: “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.”
Holker and Boss tied the knot in December 2013 after connecting during season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance three years prior. Following their wedding, the Step Up 3D actor adopted his wife’s daughter from a previous relationship, Weslie, now 14. The couple went on to welcome son Maddox and daughter Zaia in 2016 and 2019, respectively.
As news broke of Boss’ death, DWTS pros and past contestants reached out to Holker with their condolences. “This is not possible. I am absolutely lost for any words or comprehension. Heartbreaking,” Val Chmerkovskiy tweeted on Wednesday.
Sharna Burgess, who faced off against Holker on seasons 19, 20, 21 and 23 of DWTS, left a supportive comment on the Minnesota native’s most recent Instagram video. Holker uploaded footage of herself and her husband performing a “HOLIDAY SUNDAY FUNDAY DANCE” at home on Sunday, December 11.
“It truly doesn’t seem real. We are sending you and your babies so much love and please let us know how we can best support you. I’m so sorry Allison 💔,” Burgess, 37, wrote in the comments section.
Both Holker and Boss returned to SYTYCD as All Stars after competing as individuals on seasons 2 and 4, respectively, of the Fox series. The Stomp the Yard: Homecoming actor initially auditioned for season 3 in 2007 but was cut before the Top 20. He ended his season 4 run in second place.
Holker, meanwhile, was a contestant in 2006 and performed with rising SYTYCD hopefuls on seasons 7 through 11 and 14. In July 2020, she exclusively told Us how dance became the cornerstone of her relationship with Boss.
“We always end up smiling and laughing with each other during it,” Holker gushed. “No matter what’s happening in the day, we know we can check in with each other and dance and it kind of makes everything go away and it’s so much better.”
Scroll down to see how DWTS pros and fellow SYTYCD alums are rallying around Holker:
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If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
