Those who loved Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss and those who knew him came together on Saturday in Los Angeles to honor the late entertainer.
“He was a light. He chose love, grace and kindness. And he deserves to be celebrated,” his wife Alison Holker said at an event that attracted more than 500 people.
The famous DJ and dancer took his own life in December.
He is 40 years old.
Among the speakers to share their thoughts and love for Stephen were his aforementioned wife … friend and mentor Ellen DeGeneres … and comedians Loni Love and Wayne Brady.
The family’s pastor, Joe Smith, hosted a Celebration of Life, according to Entertainment Tonight.
Guests included DeGeneres, Wayne Brady, Loni Love, Jeff Thacker, Derek Hough, AJ McLean, Robin Antin and many members of the So You Think You Can Dance and Ellen DeGeneres Show cast and crew.
Boss is famous for having competed on So You Think You Can Dance and as a house DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The event was also an opportunity for Holker to carry on her husband’s legacy through the Move with Kindness Foundation, which she and her children — Weslie, Maddox, 6, and Zaia, 3 — created to support mental health initiatives at Stephen’s. pay.
Guests were given “Move with Kindness” wristbands and invited to donate to the organization.
In a statement confirming his wife’s death about two months ago, Holker poured his heart out.
“Stephen lit up every room he entered. He valued family, friends and community above all else and led with love and light as everything to him.
“He was the backbone of the family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans,” she said at the time.
“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt.
“I am sure that there will never be a day that we will not cherish his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for me and especially for our three children.
In closing her statement, Allison shared a direct message to her husband:
“Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
A few weeks later on January 6th, Allison posted a tribute video in Boss’s honor.
“To my husband, best friend, baby, Chee-chalker, Superman and father of my children, I LOVE YOU FOREVER and ALWAYS,” she captioned the clip.
“We will always remember you as a true beacon and will continue to shine your light and love around the world.”