Following Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ unexpected passing, celebrities from all over Hollywood are expressing their opinions. At the age of 40, he committed suicide.
The news was confirmed by Allison Holker Boss, the former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ’s wife, in an emotional message she shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday.
Allison, 34, stated, in part, of her husband, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to reveal my husband Stephen has left us.” “Stephen brought light into every space he entered. Above all else, he treasured his family, friends, and community.
He believed that the best way to lead was to lead with love and light. He served as the foundation of our family, was the best husband and father, and served as an example to his followers. It would be an understatement to say he left a legacy, and his beneficial influence will endure. There won’t be a day that goes by that we don’t remember him, I’m positive of that.”
Hollywood’s A-listers voiced their sorrow over the So You Think You Can Dance judge’s passing as the news broke.
In a statement to PEOPLE, creator and judge of SYTYCD Nigel Lythgoe said he was “heartbroken and devastated” and “at a loss to understand how someone as loved and inspirational to so many people as Stephen was can feel they are in such a dark place that they have no other choice but to end their life.”
He said, in part, “With Twitch, it is unfathomable to me.” “He was always joyful and had a wide smile. Every everybody he met adored him. Today will be a difficult day for the dance community, but my heart goes out to his wife Allison and their kids.
It’s critical to understand that mental illness is a serious issue that occasionally goes unnoticed in our loved ones. We must be aware that while this is a joyful time of year for many of us, tension and negative feelings seem to be intensified in some people.”
Tiffany Maher, a fellow SYTYCD graduate, wrote in a different statement to PEOPLE: “My heart is shattered. Stephen “Twitch” was a shining example. He was incredibly friendly and inspiring. I’m so grateful I got to know him. He will always be missed and remembered. Love and prayers are being sent to Allison and their kids.”
Fox Entertainment, 19 Entertainment, and Dick Clark Productions, the companies behind SYTYCD, provided the following statement to PEOPLE: “Because of the happiness and light 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 at this awful, heartbreaking loss of such a brilliant, unmistakable talent, and dear friend. ‘tWitch,’ you will be sorely missed.”
Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart, Boss’ mentor, also sent PEOPLE a statement regarding his passing. “Today, a talented man with a good heart and many followers and lovers who loved him passed away. Anyone who came into contact with Stephen was instantly brightened by his contagious and sincere smile. Although we are saddened by Stephen’s passing, his kindness and spirit will always be remembered for his contributions to the arts and in our hearts.”
Social media was flooded with condolences as well. In response to the heartbreaking news, Ellen DeGeneres posted a sweet message and a picture of the couple hugging.
“I’m devastated. tWitch was only pure light and love “On Instagram, she posted. “I had nothing but love to give him because he was my family. He will be missed. Please offer Allison and his three lovely children—Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia—your love and support.”
The former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, who frequently appeared on the Ellen show, posted a picture of Boss’s family to Instagram along 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 powerful individual who made sure that everyone in his vicinity felt the compassion and optimism he exuded. Every dance, every DJ set, and every creative creation he made were alive with his spirit. His wife Allison and their three children Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia have my deepest sympathies “She went on. “And please know that you are never alone if you are hurting and need someone to talk to. Someone is always willing to assist. Dial 988 to reach the suicide and crisis hotline by phone or text.”
On Instagram, Jennifer Lopez posted several images with Boss, with whom she collaborated on the World of Dance. “Twitch has such a radiant and lovely soul. astonished and incredibly sad. Sending you love and strength, @sir twitch alot, his wife, and their children “She composed.