Saying goodbye. Stephen “tWitch” Boss was honored by loved ones during an emotional memorial service on Saturday, February 11.
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Dead at 40: Sharna Burgess and More Stars React
Over 500 friends and family members gathered to honor the late dancer at a Celebration of Life service in Los Angeles, multiple outlets report. Wife Allison Holker and her daughter Weslie, 14, spoke at the event.
“He was the light. He chose love, grace and kindness. And he deserves to be celebrated,” Holker said via People.
Mickey Guyton and Andy Grammer performed songs at the memorial service while Bdash (real name James Derrick), Slavik Pustovoytov and Ceasare “Tighteyex” Willis honored Boss with dance tributes.
The family pastor, Joe Smith, hosted the Celebration of Life, Entertainment Tonight reports. Guests included Ellen DeGeneres, Wayne Brady, Loni Love, Jeff Thacker, Derek Hough, AJ McLean, Robin Antin and many members of both the So You Think You Can Dance and the Ellen DeGeneres Show casts and crews.
While paying tribute to the choreographer, Holker and her family revealed that they started the Move with Kindness Foundation, which “aims to carry on the legacy of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss by spreading love and mental health awareness,” per ET.
Us Weekly confirmed Boss died by reported suicide at age 40 on December 13. Holker broke her silence shortly after the news of the dancer’s passing made headlines.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” the Dancing With the Stars alum, 34, told People. “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.”
Holker, who raised three kids with her late husband, reflected on the legacy he left behind. “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,” she continued. “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.”