Entertainment

Allison Holker Defends Her New Memoir Amid Controversy Surrounding Late Husband tWitch Boss

2025-01-09

Author: Ken Lee

In a heartfelt response to mounting backlash, Allison Holker has stood firm in her decision to share the personal journey of her late husband, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, in her upcoming memoir. This insightful work is set to illuminate the realities of their life together, shedding light on sensitive issues that many grapple with today.

Posting an Instagram story on Wednesday, Holker expressed her intentions clearly: “To fans of Stephen and our family and friends, I want to be clear that my only intention in writing the book is to share my own story as well as part of my life with Stephen to help other people,” she stated. She revealed that, like many, she is also trying to understand the tragic loss of her husband, who died by suicide at the age of 40 in December 2022, just days after they celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary.

Holker candidly shared that while organizing for tWitch’s funeral, she made a shocking discovery of a "cornucopia" of hidden substances, which included mushrooms and various pills. “It was a really alarming moment for me to learn that there was so much happening that I had no clue about,” she told People magazine. This moment not only prompted her to confront the complexities of her husband's struggles but also highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse.

Adding fuel to the fire of controversy, Boss's mother, Connie Boss Alexander, issued a passionate statement denouncing what she described as "misleading and hurtful claims" about her son. She emphasized that the family aims to preserve his legacy from slander and vowed to defend his honor against detrimental narratives circulating in the press.

Echoing her commitment to helping others, Holker assured fans that the memoir, titled "This Far," is not meant to vilify her husband but rather to celebrate their life together and raise awareness about mental health. "If you decide to read the book, hopefully you’ll see my intention is to celebrate the love and life I shared with Stephen and our three beautiful children,” she remarked, underscoring her hope of reaching others who might identify with their story.

Furthermore, Holker revealed that all proceeds from her memoir will be donated to support her mental health-focused foundation, Move with Kindness, which aims to prevent further tragedies related to mental illness and suicide. "My hope is that we don’t need to lose another husband, brother, father, or friend to suicide," she asserted, highlighting the urgent need for open discussions about mental health.

The memoir is scheduled for release on February 4, and Holker hopes it will not only pay tribute to the vibrant life of tWitch—who gained fame as the beloved DJ on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and a star of "So You Think You Can Dance"—but also serve as a beacon of hope and understanding for those facing similar challenges. As discussions around mental health continue to heighten, Holker’s story may provide much-needed insights and encouragement for all.