Michelle Obama is paying tribute to Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
The former first lady, 58, paid tribute to the dancer after learning of his suicide on Wednesday at the age of 40.
They originally met through her regular appearances on The Ellen Show, where he worked as a DJ and co-executive producer, and through his participation in the Let’s Move! initiative she launched in 2010 to combat childhood obesity.
She expressed her sadness at his death and described him as a “wonderful energy,” characterizing him as “someone who emitted compassion and positivity and made sure that people around him could feel it.”
“The crowd felt every dance, DJ set, and artistic creation he brought to life,” she continued. “My heartfelt condolences go out to Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia, his wife Allison’s three children.”
She concluded her eulogy by inviting anyone who was experiencing difficulty or wanted to talk to someone to call the suicide and crisis hotline.
The pair shared the stage in a memorable moment at the White House Easter Egg Roll in 2015.
They performed the #GimmeFive dance, which was created particularly for the occasion, with fellow professional dancer Travis Wall as part of Let’s Move’s fifth anniversary celebration.
Allison Holker Boss, a fellow So You Think You Can Dance member, confirmed her husband’s death in a statement on Wednesday.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share that my husband Stephen has left us,” Allison, 34, said. “ Stephen brought light into every room he walked into. He valued his family, friends, and community above all else. He believed that leading with love and light was the greatest way to go. He was the rock of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his followers.”
“It would be an understatement to say he left a legacy, and his positive influence will be remembered for a long time,” she added. ” I’m confident that there will never be a day when we don’t remember him. We need privacy during this difficult time for myself and our three children.”
“Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I’ll always save the last dance for you,” she concluded her speech.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please dial 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.
