Allison Holker Shares Tribute For Stephen "tWitch" Boss: "I Love You Forever and Always"

The world is still reeling from the news of Stephen "tWitch" Boss's death. The "So You Think You Can Dance" alum, famed DJ who starred on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and all-around talent died on Dec. 13 from suicide at the age of 40, People confirmed. TMZ was the first to break the news.

Boss's wife, Allison Holker, shared an emotional statement about her husband's death with People, saying, "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."

She continued, "To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. 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." Holker concluded with a special message to Boss adding, "Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."

Holker isn't the only one who had kind words to share about Boss. Heartwarming statements from stars poured out on social media, including one from a member of the Magic Mike Live team (Boss starred in 2015's "Magic Mike XXL") who tweeted, "Rest in Power, @official_tWitch. A great talent with a kind heart and fierce love who will be missed. The @magicmikelive team has your family in our thoughts."

Others who have paid tribute to Boss include JoJo Siwa, Ellen DeGeneres, Channing Tatum, and Boss's mom, Connie Boss Alexander. Read ahead to see how more people are remembering Boss.

01

Allison Holker

After Boss was privately laid to rest in a funeral on Jan. 4, Holker honored her husband with an emotional tribute on Instagram. Alongside a video montage set to Rihanna's "Lift Me Up," she wrote, "To my husband, best friend, babe, Chee-chalker, Superman and father of my children I LOVE YOU FOREVER and ALWAYS! We will forever remember you as the true beacon of light that you were and we will continue to cast your light and love throughout the world. Thank you for our incredible memories and our beautiful life shared together."

In another tribute on Dec. 21, Boss's wife penned, "My ONE and ONLY Oh how my heart aches. We miss you so much."

02

Ellen DeGeneres

Ahead of the holidays, the former talk show host and Boss's longtime friend asked her followers to honor the late dancer this holiday season in an emotional Instagram video shared on Dec. 23. "I just wanted to say, the past 11 days have been really tough for everyone," she began. "Everyone is in pain and trying to make sense of it, and we'll never make sense of it. And the holidays are hard, I think, anyway."

DeGeneres continued, "But to honor tWitch, I think the best thing that we can do is to laugh and hug each other, play games, and dance and sing. That's the way we honor him, is we do the things that he loved to do, which is dancing. He loved music, he loved games, so we do that. I know it seems hard, it seems impossible, but that's how we honor him; hug each other, and tell each other we love each other, and let people know we're there for them, and check in on people."

She concluded her video by wishing everyone happy holidays and commenting on what a light Boss was in the world. "I know it's not a happy holiday, but he was pure light, as everybody in the comments said. If you knew him, you knew that," she said. "If you didn't know him, you saw it. Let's honor him and think about him and send love to one another."

Previously, on Dec. 14, DeGeneres paid tribute to Boss on Instagram writing, "I'm heartbroken. 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."

03

Connie Boss Alexander

In her Instagram Story on Dec. 15, Alexander spoke out for the first time about her son's death, per People. "Family and friends, thank you for all the love, prayers and encouragement," she wrote. "Please know I see all the messages, texts, posts and the phone calls. I can't use words right now. Please know I will reach out when I can."

She ended her message with a message for Boss, writing, "Stephen Laurel, your mother loves you to eternity and beyond. 💙 💔."

On Dec. 20, Alexander posted on her Instagram Stories, writing, "Oh if only I could FT to heaven," over an old screenshot of her FaceTiming with Boss.

04
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Kalen Allen

The "Ellen DeGeneres Show" alum, who made frequent appearances alongside Boss on the daytime talk show, initially tweeted, "Oh my God," in response to news of the late dancer and DJ's death. Allen then wrote in another tweet, "I will say more later. But, if you are a journalist writing about today's news. That man was not a sidekick to anyone and he was more than a DJ. He was the glue between the pieces. Give him the credit he deserves!"

Allen later penned an emotional tribute to Boss on Instagram writing, "To my beloved friend, confidant, and brother… God knows, my heart is at a standstill because I have never known a friend like you. No words, dance, or show can adequately capture just how magnificent your existence was to this world and me. In a world where it was easy to get lost in the shadows, I am grateful that we always saw each other. We were each other's number one fan and often the light in each other's darkest hours. I am very sorry that the darkness found a voice this time and became too loud."

He continued, "On a more personal note, as a queer black man, I want to thank you for seeing me and providing me with a friendship that I didn't even know could exist. Oh, my friend, you have no idea how your existence alone was revolutionary. To be heard is one thing and to be seen is another. But, to be felt is the true gift, and I hope that as you look down from above, you know that you were never anyone's sidekick, and hell, you weren't even a real DJ, lol. But how you moved and captured the hearts of the world with your gentle and subtle kindness was the glue that made the puzzle complete."

He concluded his tribute by writing, "I promise you I'll dream the unimaginable. I'll climb every mountain, and I'll dance every single dance with your memory as fuel. To the man upstairs, please welcome the best dance partner, faux DJ, and host… Stephen 'tWitch' Boss! Take care of him and take care of his family. You've gained an angel who needs no introduction. Just keep dancing."

05

Ciara

On Dec. 14, the singer shared a heartwarming TikTok video of her and Boss dancing on Instagram and captioned it, "I am so crushed to hear the news that you are no longer with us. I've always known you as joy, laughter, good times, and a big smile! Heaven has gained an angel today! May you rest in paradise. Praying for your family during this difficult time ❤️🙏🏽."

06
Kerry Washington
Getty | Evans Vestal Ward/NBC

Kerry Washington

Washington penned a loving tribute to Boss on Dec. 14 on Instagram writing, "The world lost a bright light today. 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. 🙏🏾"

She continued, "You never know what people are struggling with or going through. Hug your loved ones. Call your friends. Reach out to people in need. And if you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. ❤️."

07
Billy Porter
Getty | Leon Bennett

Billy Porter

On Dec. 14, the "Pose" alum paid tribute to Boss on Instagram, writing, "Remembering a life well lived. Please keep the family of Stephen "tWitch" Boss in your prayers. And please check on your friends. Even the "strong" ones, the "happy" ones. We never know what folks are going thru. 🙏🏾🕯."

08
Viola Davis
Getty | Paul Morigi

Viola Davis

Following news of Boss's death, Davis reacted on Instagram, writing, "I'm at a loss for words right now, praying for his family and loved ones. 💔🕊🙏🏿."

09
Loni Love
Getty | Vivien Killilea

Loni Love

On Dec. 14, the former "The Real" cohost posted two videos of her dancing with Boss on Twitter, tweeting, "A kind soul and a sweet person.. 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."

A kind soul and a sweet person.. 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. pic.twitter.com/qkmsM3aodT

— loni love (@LoniLove) December 14, 2022

10
Questlove
Getty | Arturo Holmes

Questlove

On Dec. 14, The Roots musician shared a moving tribute dedicated to Boss on Instagram, writing, "I have no words man. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 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. A lot of us can't process emotions & how to deal with it . . . Time literally heals wounds. Rest In Melody Twitch. 🙏🏾🕊️."

11
Jennifer Hudson
Getty | Robin L Marshall

Jennifer Hudson

Hudson reacted to news of Boss's death by writing on Instagram, "We need to pray ! My God ! U never know what someone is going through. This breaks my heart."

12
Yvette Nicole Brown
Getty | Jerritt Clark

Yvette Nicole Brown

On Dec. 14, the 51-year-old actor shared a TMZ article about Boss's death on Twitter and wrote, "What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I've loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always. Oh, tWitch!💔 If you are feeling despair PLEASE call 988. #PleaseStay."

13
DJ Pauly D
Getty | Slaven Vlasic

DJ Pauly D

Shortly after news of Boss's death broke, the "Jersey Shore" alum tweeted, "Damn this is sad news. sending prayers to Stephen 'tWitch' Boss's family and friends. ❤️🙏 RIP TWITCH."

14
Emmanuel Acho
Getty | Jesse Grant

Emmanuel Acho

On Dec. 14, the former NFL player shared an old video of him and Boss goofing around and tweeted, "You'll be missed by brother. You'll be missed. Thanks for always laughing and smiling with me. Stephen "tWitch" gone way too soon 💔💔💔. RIP tWitch."

Acho also shared another video of Boss and captioned it, "My brother tWitch, I trust you entered heaven just like you left one of your final tapings. With a storm of people applauding you for a job well done. #RiptWitch 💔💔."

You'll be missed by brother. You'll be missed. Thanks for always laughing and smiling with me.

Stephen "tWitch" gone way too soon 💔💔💔. RIP tWitch. pic.twitter.com/rxthGUTPLZ

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 14, 2022

My brother tWitch, I trust you entered heaven just like you left one of your final tapings. With a storm of people applauding you for a job well done. #RiptWitch 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/jR9ztcFBx9

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 14, 2022

15
Steven Canals
Getty | Sylvain Lefevre

Steven Canals

On Dec. 14, the "Pose" cocreator tweeted of Boss and his death, "He always exuded joy. You never know what a person is dealing with. Check in on your people. ❤️ RIP Twitch."

16
Alicia Keys
Getty | Taylor Hill

Alicia Keys

The singer shared a recent video of Boss and his wife dancing in front of their Christmas tree on Instagram and captioned it, "This is SO sad. Saw this shared on @sir_twitch_alot's page earlier this week. What a bright soul. What a beautiful connection we had through music. I pray these songs brought him and his family joy! Praying for solace for Allison, children, and loved ones. We have to walk with kindness and love with everyone we cross paths with everyday. You just never know…… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😰😰😰💜💜💜 @allisonholker."

17
Jessica Alba
Getty | Phillip Faraone

Jessica Alba

Alba penned a touching tribute to Boss on Instagram and wrote, "It's so strange to reflect back on time with someone who you never thought would pass -in this way… I think it's why it's so devastating, because there is no way to prepare you. I have had nothing but joyful experiences with Twitch, although brief we would catch up on our kids and 'better halves,' he was such a bright light, his energy radiated. My heart goes out to Allison and their three babies, I'm so so sorry for your loss. Twitch, you will be missed, thank you for sharing your light with us. 🙏🏽."

18
Brie Bella
Getty | Rodin Eckenroth

Brie Bella

Alongside an Instagram carousel featuring photos of Bella and Boss, the former WWE superstar wrote, "I'm so heartbroken to hear about the passing of this wonderful, talented, beautiful soul, Twitch. I was lucky enough to work with him and be around his amazing energy. Every room he walked into lit up!! He always made everyone smile, laugh and feel good about themselves. He helped me so much to open up and let go. He's going to be missed greatly!!! Sending love and light to you Allison and the kids 💛🙏🏼✨ RIP Twitch."

19
Jennifer Lopez
Getty | Theo Wargo

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez, who worked alongside Boss in "World of Dance," penned a tribute on Instagram, writing, "Twitch was such a light and a beautiful soul…💔 Shocked and deeply saddened. My heart breaks for @sir_twitch_alot, his wife and children 🙏 Sending you love and strength 🤍."

20

Nikki Bella

The former WWE superstar shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram as well. "RIP Twitch 💔 Allison sending you so much light, love, and strength. You and the whole family," she wrote. "As you can see from social media and the news today Twitch was an inspiration to so many and truly filled with so much love and light. He made people better by who he organically was. Truly led wether that was as a coach or who he was as a person. My heart is broken. For him, Allison and the kids. Check in on your loved ones. We will never forget you Twitch. RIP. 🤍🙏🏼✨."

21
Michelle Obama
Getty | NBC

Michelle Obama

Obama posted a loving note on Instagram, writing, "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 an incredible force—someone who radiated kindness and positivity, and made sure that people around him could feel it, too. We felt his spirit in every dance, every DJ set, every piece of creativity that he brought to life. My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and their three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.

And if any of you out there are struggling and need someone to talk to, please know that you are never alone. There is always someone ready to help. You can call or text the suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988."

22
Justin Timberlake
Getty | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Justin Timberlake

In a series of tweets, Timberlake mourned his late friend, writing, "It's heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed doors. I've known Twitch for over 20 years through the dance community - he always lit everything up. You just never know what someone is really going through."

He continued, "Take care of yourselves. LOVE that human in the mirror. Check on your people. Sending light to his beautiful family in this dark, confusing time. You will be missed, Sir. Rest Easy."

23

Channing Tatum

Tatum commemorated his friend by sharing a photo of himself and Boss on Instagram. "I have no words. There aren't any," he wrote in the caption. "My head or heart can not understand this. There is just so much . . . I don't know where to begin. I love you. I'll see you again my friend. Until then."

24
JoJo Siwa
Getty | FOX

JoJo Siwa

On Dec. 14, the "Dancing With the Stars" alum, who judged alongside Boss on the latest season of "So You Think You Can Dance," wrote a heartfelt tribute to the late dancer on Instagram. "My heart is beyond broken.💔😭 twitch was a best friend and a mentor not just to me but to SO many. I'll never forget our time getting to work together on SYTYCD, he became such a light in my life. Someone I've looked up to since I was born turned one of my best friends."

"Twitch always had the best advice," Siwa continued. "We had SO many laughs, smiles, and even cries together. I know you're in a better place now but man we are all gonna miss the hell outta you. Sending my most love and prayers to His beautiful wife and 3 perfect kids. ❤️ thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I'm 'so esssicted' to see you again one day (A inside joke between us that I will never let go of). Forever the worlds dance dad. Love you brother.🙏🏼 RIP the legendary Stephen Twitch Boss❤️."

25

Jada Pinkett Smith

On Dec. 14, Pinkett Smith paid tribute to Boss, whom she worked with on "Magic Mike XXL," by sharing an old photo of the two posing alongside Donald Glover on Instagram. "I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone," wrote the "Red Table Talk" host. "My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia. My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind. We had a lot of good times on the set of Magic Mike. He was so sweet, kind and generous. So many people suffer in silence. I wish he could have known that he didn't have to. May his beautiful, shining soul rest in the arms of the Great Supreme and may that same Higher Power heal the shattered hearts of his loved ones.🕊️"

26
Leah Remini
Getty | Michael Tran

Leah Remini

The fellow "So You Think You Can Dance" judge paid tribute to Boss on Instagram on Dec. 14 by sharing a series of photos and videos with him. "I am heartbroken by the news of the passing of tWitch. Although we had met many times at the 'Ellen Show,' I got to know him better this summer when I joined the judge's table on 'So You Think You Can Dance," she wrote in a caption. "tWitch was always so kind to me and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes. tWitch was the guy who played and interacted with his fans in the audience during commercial breaks, and he encouraged all the contestants when the cameras weren't rolling. He had such a passion and love for dance and guiding artists and the contestants on the show."

She continued, "tWitch adored his wife, Allison, and their three kids more than anything. He would talk about them all the time with such pride. He had a laugh and smile that lit up the whole room. Rest easy, tWitch; you will leave a big hole in many hearts. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and to the many people whom he inspired."

27
Paula Abdul
Getty | Emma McIntyre

Paula Abdul

On Dec. 14, the famed performer tweeted of Boss's death, "I'm devastated to hear the news about Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' passing. tWitch greeted the world every day with a beautiful smile that was a direct reflection of his beautiful heart. He was a beacon of light & a true talent whose legacy & impact will live on in the dance community."

28
Tracee Ellis Ross
Getty | Jon Kopaloff

Tracee Ellis Ross

Ross paid tribute to Boss on Dec. 14 by sharing a video of one of his old "So You Think You Can Dance" performances on Instagram captioned, "Rest in Paradise, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss 🕊️ This was the moment I was introduced to him on 'So You Think You Can Dance'—our first introduction to his bright light. He was an incredible dancer, a son, a father, a multifaceted entertainer and a beacon of joy for so many. Sending so much love to his wife, his children, and his loved ones."

29
Paris Hilton
Getty | Jon Kopaloff

Paris Hilton

"The world lost the brightest light @official_tWitch 💔," Hilton tweeted on Dec. 14. "Always remember that behind smiles, you might not know what someone is going through. 😔 Check in on those you love this holiday season and call or text 988 if you or someone you know needs support."

30
Dwayne Johnson
Getty | Mike Marsland

Dwayne Johnson

Following reports of Boss's death, Johnson tweeted, "Man I am so sorry to hear the heartbreaking news about Twitch. Great guy. Sending his family all the love, light, strength and mana. I've lost a lot of friends to the struggle. You never know what's happening between the ears. So sorry Boss family. Stay strong. #stephenboss 🕊️."

31
Dwyane Wade
Getty | Frazer Harrison

Dwyane Wade

On Dec. 14, Wade via Twitter posted a clip of him dancing with Boss during a past appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." "Anyone who's had an encounter with tWitch is hurting hearing this news today," he tweeted. "🙏🏿 Grateful to have had this moment with you in your light. #RIPtWitch."

32
Colman Domingo
Getty | Kevin Mazur

Colman Domingo

In response to news of Boss's death, the "Euphoria" actor tweeted, "Live. Love. Go deep. Reach out. Listen. Hold someones hand and heart. This time of year is most difficult. There is always light in the darkness. You will be okay. Hold on. Live. ❤️❤️✨❤️✨✨✨✨ RIP Twitch."

33
Boris Kodjoe
Getty | Robin L Marshall

Boris Kodjoe

On Dec. 14, Kodjoe wrote a touching message dedicated to Boss on Instagram. "I just saw you last week. Your wife by your side. Big smile, big hug," he shared in a caption. "What we don't see is what we don't understand. Everybody has pain. Trauma and depression are very real, yet too often stigmatized, ignored or trivialized. Don't assume, don't judge, just check in and be there. Just love. Dance in peace, my friend. 🙏🏾❤️."

34
Julie Bowen
Getty | Araya Doheny

Julie Bowen

On Dec. 14, the former "Modern Family" actor, via Instagram, recalled the times she appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and shared fun moments with Boss. "I did 'Ellen' a gajillion times, and every time this sweet man made me smile, laugh and dance (horribly…always horribly)," she wrote in a caption. "He even came and did a guest spot on Modern Family, and it was like getting a visit from the sun. His lightness, joy and kindness filled every room he entered. It's terrible to think he was suffering inside. Tell somebody you love them today."

35
Cheryl Burke
Getty | Frazer Harrison

Cheryl Burke

On Dec. 14, "Dancing With the Stars" pro Cheryl Burke shared some old photos with Boss on Instagram and captioned them, "My heart breaks for @sir_twitch_alot, @allisonholker and their beautiful family. Twitch, thank you for representing the dance world with such positivity and grace but more importantly, as a human being, thank you for being so joyful, inspirational, and for always putting a smile on my face. May your soul rest in peace my friend. 💔"