Criscilla Anderson, the former hip-hop dancer and choreographer who starred alongside her ex-husband Coffey Anderson in Netflix’s 2020 reality series “Country Ever After,” has died at age 45 following a seven-year battle with colon cancer. Her death on Dec. 2, 2025, was announced through a posthumous Instagram post shared by her friend and photographer Lindsey Villatoro.
In a prepared statement written before her passing, Anderson addressed her community with characteristic grace and faith. “If you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus — peacefully and surrounded by love,” she wrote. “Please don’t stay in the darkness of this moment. I fought hard and I loved deeply. I am not gone… I’m Home.”
Anderson’s cancer journey began in 2018 when she received a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. The disease had spread to her lymph nodes, and doctors initially gave her a life expectancy of two years. Despite this grim prognosis, Anderson defied the odds and continued fighting. She was cancer-free in 2021, but the disease returned in late 2022. In the final weeks before her death, the cancer had metastasized to her brain, and she suffered a stroke.
The mother of three directed heartfelt messages to each of her children in her final statement. To her 14-year-old son Ethan, she wrote that he made her a mother and that she would continue cheering him on. She addressed her 12-year-old daughter Emmarie as her Jesus-loving dancer, encouraging her to keep dancing through every season. To nine-year-old Everleigh, her bright spark, she urged boldness in chasing dreams without fear. Anderson also included words for her 17-year-old stepdaughter Savannah, calling her a bonus girl and a gift she needed.
“My babies… I am watching over you,” Anderson wrote. “When a moment feels warm, familiar, or too beautiful to be coincidence — that’s me. I’m still mothering you. I’m still yours.”
Anderson’s ex-husband Coffey Anderson, a country music artist known for songs including “Mr. Red White and Blue” and “Better Today,” posted his own tribute on Dec. 2. The couple had married in 2009 and Coffey filed for divorce in 2022, but they continued to co-parent their children. In his Instagram post, he described Criscilla as defining strength and fighting spirit like no other person on the planet, noting that heaven gained a star. He acknowledged the difficulty ahead for their family, noting that their hearts were shattered and their home would feel quieter without her presence.
In his tribute, Coffey mentioned that Criscilla had shared a symbolic message before her passing about butterflies representing her continued presence with the family. He also expressed relief that she would no longer endure physical suffering, including pain, a colostomy bag, neuropathy, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments. He added that he was glad she could now meet the two babies they had lost together.
Before her reality television career, Anderson established herself as an accomplished performer in the entertainment industry. She worked as a hip-hop dancer and choreographer, performing with major artists including Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Snoop Dogg. Her expertise in dance led to a position as choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and she appeared in the Netflix docuseries about the iconic squad.
The Netflix series “Country Ever After” aired in 2020 and followed Anderson and Coffey as they navigated family life, career ambitions, and her cancer diagnosis. The show documented how their Christian faith helped them cope with the challenges of her illness while raising their children and pursuing their respective careers in entertainment.
Anderson’s friend Lindsey, who shared the death announcement, had promised to walk alongside her throughout her cancer journey. In her post, Lindsey expressed that her heart was shattered to share the news. Being by her side until the very end was described as the greatest honor of her life.
In her final message, Anderson expressed gratitude to her circle of women who supported her when she couldn’t stand, thanked her family for their unconditional love, and acknowledged Lindsey for capturing her life beautifully through photography year after year. She concluded with a message of comfort and connection, urging people to be gentle with each other and hold her children close, reminding them that heaven isn’t as far away as it feels.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organization, which welcomed Anderson back as a judge for their 2024 tryouts, shared condolences following news of her passing. They remembered her artistry, passion, and strength as inspirational to many within their organization.
Anderson is survived by her four children: son Ethan, daughters Emmarie and Everleigh, and stepdaughter Savannah. Her death came while she and Coffey were in the midst of divorce proceedings.
Throughout her illness, Anderson remained transparent about the challenges of living with cancer. She understood that recurrence rates were high and approached her diagnosis as a chronic condition requiring constant vigilance. Her willingness to share her journey publicly through social media and the Netflix series provided insight into the realities of fighting advanced cancer while maintaining family life and pursuing creative work.
