Allison Holker's Heartfelt Tribute to Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss on 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 18 Premiere

Allison Holker Honors tWitch on So You Think You Can Dance Premiere

Michael Rowe/Getty Images

Allison Holker honored her late husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, on the season 18 premiere of So You Think You Can Dance on Monday, March 4.

During the first round of auditions, Holker, 36, tearfully described Boss as an icon and a legend, emphasizing his exceptional skills and ability to bring out the best in others.

She went on to say that even now, he continues to inspire her, her children, and everyone present. We honor him by living life to the fullest, just as he would have wanted.

The show then paid tribute to Boss by showcasing memorable moments from his time on So You Think You Can Dance. The episode ended with a title card displaying "Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss 1982-2022" next to a portrait of him.

The Fox reality competition series has a special place in Holker's heart, as she joined the judging panel for season 18. She and Boss first met during season 2 back in 2006, when she was a contestant and he was a choreographer. Their love story continued when they reconnected during season 7 in 2010, where she returned as an All-Star. Boss later became a judge on the show for seasons 15 and 17.

After tying the knot in December 2013, Holker and Boss expanded their family with the arrival of son Maddox in March 2016 and daughter Zaia in November 2019. In addition, Boss also adopted Holker’s daughter from a previous relationship, Weslie.

Shortly after celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary, tragedy struck in December 2022 when Boss was discovered dead at a hotel in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed that he had taken his own life at the age of 40.

In a heartfelt statement to People, Holker expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her husband Stephen. She described him as someone who brought joy wherever he went, emphasizing his love for family, friends, and community. Stephen was not just a loving husband and father, but also a source of inspiration for his fans.

Holker emphasized that Boss’ influence on their family and others would never be forgotten. She mentioned that his legacy was significant and his positive impact would always be remembered. She expressed her certainty that they would honor his memory every day. Holker requested privacy during this challenging time for herself and their three children.

In conclusion, she expressed her love and missed Stephen, promising to always save the last dance for him.

Months later, Holker appeared on the Today show in May 2023 for her first televised interview since Boss' death. She expressed that she still feels shocked like the rest of the world, emphasizing that nobody saw it coming, which deeply saddens her.

During the interview, Holker shared her sadness over the fact that no one realized Boss was struggling. She also admitted that she had to accept the reality that she couldn't change what had happened, despite wondering if there were any signs she missed regarding his mental state before his passing.

Following the tragedy, Holker found it difficult to discuss the situation with her children. She mentioned, "It's really hard. There's been some really hard conversations. To us, Daddy's in the stars. So, we can go outside and talk to him whenever we want. They just ask, 'When is Daddy coming back?' and that's a really hard one."

Holker, who frequently worked with Boss on dance routines, posted her first video back to dancing in August 2023 as a way to cope with her grief. She wrote, "Truly felt so good to dance again," on the Instagram post, expressing that she felt "overwhelmed with so many emotions" during the performance. She added, "I was both scared and excited. But dance has always been there for me ... even now and I am so grateful for that."

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Editor's P/S:

This article is a moving tribute to Stephen "tWitch" Boss, the beloved dancer and choreographer who tragically passed away last year. Allison Holker's words about her husband are heartfelt and poignant, capturing both the immense pain of his loss and the enduring love that continues to inspire her. The article highlights Boss's incredible talent and his ability to bring out the best in others, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to touch lives for years to come.

Reading about Holker's journey through grief is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to honoring Boss's memory serve as a reminder of the power of love and the importance of seeking support during difficult times. Her open and honest discussion about the challenges of coping with loss, particularly for her children, sheds light on the complexities of grief and the need for compassion and understanding.