"Country Ever After Star Criscilla Anderson Passes Away at 45 Due to Colon Cancer"

Choreographer Criscilla Crossland Anderson, known for performing alongside stars like Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Luke Bryan has died following a long battle with colon cancer. She was 45.

The mom-of-four was first diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2018. 

After years of treatment, she was declared cancer-free in 2021. However, the disease returned in 2022, spreading to her lymph nodes. Despite the setbacks, Anderson continued fighting with resilience, faith, and an unwavering love for her family.

She also starred in the 2020 Netflix reality series Country Ever After with her ex-husband, Coffey Anderson.

Anderson and her loved ones have long been open about her diagnosis. In a November 15 Instagram post shared by her friend and photographer Lindsey, it was revealed that Anderson’s initial prognosis, given seven years earlier, estimated she had just two years to live. Despite the daunting odds, she continued dancing, advocating, and raising her children with strength and hope.

Lindsey shared that in Anderson’s final days, she faced a series of heartbreaking complications. “Nine days ago she was admitted for cancerous fluid around her heart and a stroke. The night before, her legs went numb. Earlier this week she underwent surgery to drain that fluid — relief that also revealed how much her body has been carrying in silence,”  she wrote.

“This weekend she finally gets to go home. Today an MRI of the brain was done to see if her symptoms were from a stroke or if the cancer had spread… and with heavy hearts, we learned it is in fact cancer.”

After her passing on December 3, a final message written by Anderson was shared on her Instagram, offering comfort and love to her community, family, and children.

“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,” she wrote.

She then addressed her children directly.

“To my children — my whole heart.  Ethan, you made me a mom. I’m still beside you, cheering you on. Savannah, my bonus girl — you were a gift God knew I needed.  Emmarie, my Jesus-loving dancer — keep dancing through every season. Everleigh, my bright spark — chase your dreams boldly and without fear.”

She concluded her caption with this final statement, “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 ✨❤️.”

Many stars are mourning the heartbreaking loss. Viola Davis wrote, “Just devastating. Really. I never stopped praying and will continue to pray for her family, her children and for her name to continue to be spoken. God’s got her❤️.” 

Todd Chrisley also shared his condolences, writing, “Heartbroken is an understatement, rest well my beautiful friend, you will be loved and thought of always.”