Stephen “tWitch” Boss, known for his work as a DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, and for his contagious Instagram dance videos with his wife Allison Holker, died at the age of 40. Weslie, 14, Zaia, 3, and Maddox, 6, are the couple’s children.

“I have to tell my husband Stephen that he has left us with the heaviest of hearts,” Holker said in a heartfelt statement published by People. Stephen brightened every room he entered. Above all, he treasured family, friends, and community, and leading with love and light was everything to him. “He was the backbone of our family, the finest husband and father, and an inspiration to his admirers.”

“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his good effects will continue to be felt.” I am confident that there will never be a day when we do not remember him. “We need privacy at this tough time for me and our three children,” she said.

“Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and the last dance will always be reserved for you.”

Holker’s most recent Instagram video was a joyful “Holiday Sunday Funday Dance” with her adored spouse.

Friends, admirers, and members of the dancing world expressed their condolences and support for the Boss family in the comments section. “My heart is devastated now after learning this news,” choreographer Rudy Abreu commented. “I am really sorry, and I adore you.”

Actor Olivia Munn also conveyed her disbelief and grief. “Oh my gosh… my heart goes out to you and your family.”

Boss was a loving parent in addition to being a fantastic entertainer. “We simply have a wonderful time,” he explained to E! News. The DJ also provided his smart advice on dealing with the ups and downs of parenting: “Is it tiring?” Absolutely. Are you continuously exhausted? Of course. God willing, our children will grow up happy and healthy, and we’ve only had them for, what, 18 years? “And in the broad scheme of things, that’s not a long time,” he explained.

As Holker and her children start to come to terms with their tragic loss, they can find comfort in each other and in knowing how much their father’s ability to dance and desire to make people feel better affected the world.