Country Ever After star Criscilla Anderson lost her 7-year battle with colon cancer at age 45.
In a posthumous message shared by Criscilla’s close friend/photographer, Lindsey, friends and fans learned that Criscilla passed away. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018, but it metastasized after she was initially diagnosed.
Alongside Criscilla’s message were photos of the professional dancer/choreographer with her son, Ethan, daughters, Emmarie and Everleigh, whom she shared with her ex, country artist Coffey Anderson. Also pictured is Savannah, Criscilla’s ‘bonus girl,’ who Coffey had in a previous relationship.
Criscilla’s last words:
Hey y’all… it’s Lindsey (@lovesongphotography). My heart is shattered to share this. I promised Criscilla I would walk this journey with her whenever she couldn’t stand on her own two feet. I pray she knows how fiercely she was loved. Being by her side until the very end was the greatest honor of my life. These are her words, written from her heart.”
Criscilla began, “My sweet community, if you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus, peacefully and surrounded by love. Please don’t stay in the darkness of this moment. I fought hard, and I loved deeply. I am not gone… I’m Home.”
“My babies, I am watching over you. When a moment feels warm, familiar, or too beautiful to be a coincidence, that’s me. I’m still mothering you. I’m still yours.”
“To my circle of women — my sisters. Thank you for holding me when I couldn’t stand, wiping my tears, taking me to appointments, and making me laugh. You were God’s hands in my life for years.”
“To my family, thank you for loving me so unconditionally. Please take care of one another. My love is still wrapped around you. Be gentle with each other. Hold my children close. And remember: heaven isn’t as far away as it feels.”
“I love you all. Always. — Criscilla ✨❤️.”
Criscilla’s career:
Many know Criscilla from her family’s Netflix show, Country Ever After, and America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, but I was fortunate to know Criscilla long before the world had the honor.
We went to high school together 30 years ago. While you may know Criscilla Anderson, dancer and choreographer, I knew her as Criscilla Crossland, a theater kid, tomboy, and Janet Jackson lover.
Criscilla had an incredible career as a dancer before she became a Netflix personality.
She appeared in videos for Rihanna- SOS, Akon and Eminem- Smack That, and worked with Katy Perry. Criscilla toured Europe with Snoop Dogg and was a featured dancer in the films Fat Albert and Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Britney Spears’ Gimme More video featured Criscilla, while Criscilla choreographed and appeared in Piece of Me, my personal favorite Britney video. Criscilla also toured with Britney’s The M+M’s Tour, which consisted of six pop-up nightclub performances.
Criscilla kept dancing as she had her babies. She kept busy teaching dance classes around the country for both kids and adults. Many lives were changed by Criscilla and the light she shone on all who were blessed to know her.
