Reality TV star Criscilla Anderson, 45, dies of colon cancer as friend shares message she wrote for her four children before death
A reality TV star has died of colon cancer, leaving behind a heartbreaking message to her children from beyond the grave.
Criscilla Anderson, who starred in her own Netflix reality show Country Ever After alongside then husband Coffey Anderson, has died at the age of 45.
The news was announced on Criscilla’s Instagram by her friend, who shared photos of her alongside a statement the reality star had written herself before her death to let her fans know she had passed.
It read: “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, and 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:---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.”
Criscilla, who was a mum-of-four as well as a dancer and choreographer, also wrote poignant messages for her young children. To my children — my whole heart,” she wrote, before addressing each chld individually. “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.
“My babies… I am watching over you. When a moment feels warm, familiar, or too beautiful to be coincidence — that’s me. I’m still mothering you. I’m still yours. #everybutterfly.”
Criscilla shared two daughters, Emmarie and Everleight, and son Ethan with her ex-husband singer-songwriter Coffey Anderson, aged 47. She also cared for Savannah, Coffey’s daughter from a previous relationship.
Savannah commented on the post and wrote: “She was my parent, even it wasn’t through birth she has only loved and regarded me as. I am forever grateful to have her as a mother to my siblings and my bonus mother. Thank you for raising me to never be apologetic to my authentic self. Love you Mimi.”
Coffey wrote his own tribute to the mother of his children on his Instagram page. He said: “Criscilla defined strength and fighter like no other person on the planet. Heaven gained a star today.”
“We miss you already. Our hearts are shattered. Our minds are jumbled. Our lives will never be the same. The house is quieter because you’re missing. The babies are resilient and strong as ever. We did good with them.
“So, dance your heart out on the beach in heaven. No more pain, no colostomy bag, no more neuropathy, no chemo, or radiation and you can eat as much dessert as you want with no calories.”
Writing of the couple’s previous heartache he finished his tribute to say: “I’m glad you get to meet the two babies we lost. I love you more.” He also added #CancerSucks.
Criscilla was diagnosed with colon cancer back in 2018 after feeling extreme pain whilst preparing for a dance event, but was initially diagnosed with colitis and given antibiotics.
When the pain continued, however, she returned to hospital and was given an emergency colonoscopy. A tumour was then found and she was given a diagnosis of stage three colon cancer. Afterwards, she spent two weeks in hospital and had to have two feet of her colon removed.
She had shared details of her cancer battle with her fans on her social media over the years. Many of those wrote tributes on her post. One said: “What sadness & profound loss for her children, family & friends. I’ve followed her fight & journey for the past few years in awe. The post has brought tears to my eyes. I just cannot imagine.”
A second said: “ Rest in peace and no more pain @criscilla. I stumbled on your reality show yrs ago and fell in love with you and your family. Your authenticity, your love for GOD, family and friends shined through you.”
Criscilla appeared on numerous TV shows including her own Netflix show, Country Ever After, in which cameras followed her country singer husband Coffey Anderson. She also appeared on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders where she was a guest choreographer.