Top News

Dancer Donyelle Jones died on Tuesday, December 2, at the age of 46, following a decade-long battle with breast cancer. The news was confirmed by her family in a statement in which they praised the former So You Think You Can Dance contestant as a "warrior." Taking to her Instagram page, they penned: "Today at 8:34am, Donyelle Denise Wilson transitioned. A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. And a warrior who kicked cancer's ass every single day she was here. Her spirit never dimmed. Her heart never hardened. And even in the storm, she never lost her smile." Her original breast cancer diagnosis came nearly 10 years before her death and she underwent a double mastectomy and relentless rounds of chemotherapy.

Donyelle first found fame on the CatDeeley-hosted talent show So You Think You Can Dance in 2006, coming in third place behind runner-up Travis Wall and winner Benji Schwimmer. During her career, she also branched out into movies, appearing in the 2022 Christmas musical movie Spirited, opposite Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. She also had a role in the 2005 movie Be Cool, featuring John Travolta and Uma Thurman.

Donyelle seemed to be aware she was nearing the end of her life, and just a week ago, she posted a video to her Instagram, which she poignantly captioned "The Legacy Statement."

At this stage, she was in a hospice and propped up on pillows, and with an oxygen tube in her nose, she spoke to the camera. "It has come to the point where I have started to get my affairs in order. Most of you guys know, at this point, I am in hospice. I have done everything possible to extend my time here in this dimension, and, at this point, I have surrendered to whatever God's will is.

"And if God's will is that he heals my liver, which is not functioning and not making me able to eat, and I get that miraculous healing, and I'm audacious enough to believe that he can do it - but I'm also cognizant enough to know that I've received 10 years of miracles."

"What else can I possibly ask for, but for his discernment on when it's his time for me to have my time on this side come to an end? she said before thanking everyone who had helped her on her cancer journey, emphasising the importance of focusing on community and family. "Nobody does anything alone," she said.

Tributes flooded in for the star as the news became public. This IS Us star Chrissy Metz wrote: "May your transition be full of love and light just as you were here on this earth. Rest high on that mountain, Donyelle."

"She was and IS the best of us. One of one. We love you @donyelledenise8! Thank you for showing us how to live and fight and love! We will see you on the other side. I will be the one dancing towards you. Me and my two left feet!" a friend wrote in the comments below the announcement of her death.

"Spirit NEVER dimmed. Been thinking about her daily since her last video. Sending so much love to her family," another added. Another person chimed in: "Donny, you are watching over us all just like you did on earth. You are an angel now and forever. You left this world so much brighter. I love you."

Meanwhile, another fan praised: "Your artistry and love of dance will be carried on by those of us who were so lucky to have worked alongside you and the many students you trained. Rest assured, not only will you be remembered, but you are enshrined into the L.A. dance community and way beyond! Now go kickball change with Doug Caldwell and Gregg Burge."