Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the co-host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” has died at age 40.
Boss, a choreographer, DJ and dancer died on Tuesday, 13 December, 2022, at a hotel, according to a report from the Los Angeles medical examiner. No cause of death was given.
His wife, dancer Allison Holker, confirmed his death in a statement released to People magazine on Wednesday, 14 December, 2022.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she said.
“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.”
“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” her statement 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.”
She ended her tribute by writing: “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
Days before his death, he celebrated nine years of marriage with Holker, 34, on Instagram Saturday, sharing three images from their 2013 wedding.
“Happy anniversary my love,” he wrote.
The Montgomery, Alabama, native, started dancing at 16. He competed on the fourth season of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008, and finished in second place.
He first caught DeGeneres’ attention in 2010, when he was part of the cast of “Dance” and worked with DeGeneres on a routine, a moment DeGeneres called “a crash course in getting to know each other.”
Boss was invited on “Ellen” in 2013 as a guest DJ before becoming a show staple the following year.
He hyped up the studio crowd with the signature dance session that started every episode of the show.
In 2014, Boss told USA TODAY, that the biggest challenge when chasing stardom was “keeping the resilience of a dream alive.
“It takes years and years and years. JLo is our poster child. That’s how you do it. She was a Fly Girl back in the ’90s. You can get a great gig, but you have to continue to work. That’s the way to do it.”
On the May 26 finale of “Ellen,” DeGeneres and Boss wiped tears from their eyes and danced to The Emotions’ “Best of My Love.” Seated with DeGeneres, he expressed gratitude for being a part of the show and its family.
“This atmosphere is a family,” DeGeneres said.