By doing so, Michelle Obama is honouring Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
After learning of the dancer’s Wednesday suicide at 40, the former first lady, 58, paid tribute to him.
They first became acquainted through her frequent appearances on The Ellen Show, where he was a DJ and co-executive producer, and through his involvement in the Let’s Move! A campaign she started in 2010 to fight childhood obesity.
She expressed her sorrow over his passing and called him a “wonderful energy,” describing him as “someone who emitted compassion and positivity and made sure that people around him could feel it. “.
She said, “The crowd felt every dance, DJ set, and artistic creation he brought to life. My deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Allison’s three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia. “.
She encouraged anyone who was having trouble or wanted to talk to someone to call the suicide and crisis hotline as she wrapped up her eulogy.
In a memorable exchange, the two shared the stage at the White House Easter Egg Roll in 2015.
As part of Let’s Move’s fifth-anniversary celebration, they performed the GimmeFive dance, which was specially made for the occasion. Travis Wall, another professional dancer, joined them.
In a statement on Wednesday, Allison Holker Boss, a fellow contestant on So You Think You Can Dance, confirmed her husband’s passing.
Allison, 34, said, “I have to share that my husband Stephen has left us with the heaviest of hearts.”. Every space Stephen entered became more illuminated. He placed the highest value on his community, family, and friends. He thought leading with love and the light was the best way to go about things was to lead with love and light. He was the pillar of our family, the best husband and father, and an example to his devotees. “.
She continued that he “left a legacy” that will be remembered for a very long time, and to say that he had a positive impact would be an understatement. There will never be a day when we don’t think of him, I’m sure of it. My wife, and our three kid need privacy during this trying time. ”.
She concluded, “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I’ll always save the last dance for you.”.
Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is thinking about taking their own life.
