Allison Holker is speaking out to set the record straight following rumors about her late husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, and his relationship with Ellen DeGeneres after the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In a candid interview with People, Holker, who is releasing her memoir This Far on February 4, opened up about her family’s journey through grief, as well as her response to recent speculation about her husband’s ties to DeGeneres in the wake of his tragic death.
The rumors began circulating after tWitch’s death in December 2022, suggesting that his connection with DeGeneres had soured after the show ended in May 2022. Holker, however, was quick to refute these claims, calling them “disappointing” and inaccurate.
“I don’t love when I see rumors flying around, and it was really disappointing for me to see that people tried bringing Ellen into the situation and targeting her,” Holker, 36, said in her People interview. “It was not true.”
The speculation, she continued, could not have been further from the truth. Holker praised DeGeneres for her continued support during the challenging time, explaining that the bond between her late husband and the talk show host was always strong. “Ellen’s wonderful, and she’s just been a support system. If anything, she was a great example to Stephen. They had a great relationship, and he loved that relationship with her. They had something that was so special. I hope people can see that that bond is something that we shouldn’t tear down.”
Boss and DeGeneres shared a long and close relationship, beginning when Boss first appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014 as a guest DJ. His popularity quickly grew, leading to his promotion as the show’s co-executive producer in 2020. After the show ended in May 2022, many were left wondering about the impact of that transition on the longtime friendships and working relationships that had formed over the years.
In the months following Boss’ death, DeGeneres, along with other cast and crew members of both The Ellen DeGeneres Show and So You Think You Can Dance, gathered in Los Angeles to celebrate his life and honor his legacy. The emotional service, which took place two months after his passing, featured special tributes and was a chance for friends and colleagues to pay their respects. Guests at the celebration were given “Move with Kindness” wristbands, a tribute to Boss’ life philosophy, and were invited to donate to the Move with Kindness Foundation, a mental health initiative Holker founded in his honor.
DeGeneres herself also paid tribute to Boss on the second anniversary of his death in December 2024. The 67-year-old comedian and talk show host shared a poignant post on Instagram, where she reflected on the lasting impact Boss had on her life. In the post, DeGeneres captioned a serene photo of a tree-lined field, writing, “Wherever I am I feel you with me. I love you tWitch.”
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Throughout the interview, Holker emphasized the importance of maintaining positivity and supporting one another, especially in times of grief. She explained that her memoir, This Far, delves into her difficult childhood, her love story with Boss, and the ways she and their children are finding strength and healing after his sudden death. “We’ve had to navigate some really challenging moments, but my goal has always been to keep our family together and continue to honor Stephen’s legacy,” she said.
Boss’ passing at the age of 40 stunned fans and those who knew him, leading to an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry. Known for his infectious energy, kindness, and positive spirit, Boss’ influence on both The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the dance world will not be forgotten.
Holker also used the opportunity to remind those struggling with mental health that help is available, encouraging others to reach out to support services. “If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is always help, and you don’t have to go through it alone,” she said.
For those in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. Additional resources can be found at 988lifeline.org.
Holker’s memoir, This Far, is available starting February 4 and offers a deeper look into her personal journey of love, loss, and healing.