Donyelle Denise Wilson, also known as Donyelle Jones, who was on season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance, tragically passed away at the age of 46 following her battle with cancer.
The news of her passing was shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Donyelle Denise Wilson Remembered As ‘A Warrior’
“Today at 8:34am, Donyelle Denise Wilson, transitioned. A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend,” the post said. “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. #GIWMA,” they concluded.
Donyelle was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2016, according to her profile on Dancers Against Cancer. In May, she revealed in an Instagram post that it had progressed to Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
“Most of you know that I have been fighting stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer for close to 9 years,” she wrote. “With some near deadly experiences. Unfortunately it’s apart of this journey and I’m here again. My health has been declining for over 7 month. I was waiting for the turn around to update and post. But I’ve ended up back in the hospital.”
Tributes Pour In For Donyelle Denise Wilson
Grammy Nominated Singer, Songwriter, and Actress Shanice: “My heart is completely broken. My cousin @donyelledenise8 fought stage 4 breast cancer for 10 years. She passed this morning. She was the strongest human being on this planet. She suffered towards the end so as bad as I want her here I’m glad she’s not in pain anymore. Love you cousin. Rest In Peace.. Please keep her mom our family and her husband Tahir in your prayers 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😢”
Dancer and Choreographer Brian Friedman: “We love you Donny. Now and forever ❤️🪽”
Choreographer Kai Martinez: “Her legacy will continue to shine…. Sending love to everyone and may we all learn to value every moment here. ❤️❤️❤️”
Choreographer Amari “Monster” Marshall: “💔💔💔 I love you Queen”
Donyelle Denise Wilson Posted Emotional Video On Instagram Shortly Before Her Passing
A week before her passing, Donyelle posted a video providing fans with an update and admitting that she has begun to get her affairs in order.
“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,” she said in the video. “I can’t be about this peace without thanking all the thousands of people who have prayed for me, who have showed up for me, who have sent me money, prayers, thoughts, love, light, dances, books, blankets, all the breast cancer things that I can be overflowed with.”
She added that “if this is my last post,” the message she wanted to leave everyone with is to “give back to community, give back to family.”
The video was captioned “The Legacy Statement. GIWMA,” and many left touching sentiments in the comments.
“I receive this….deeply and fully! God is with you… the ultimate Father. Thank you for the gift❤️❤️❤️,” actress Viola Davis wrote.
“My god!!! You have been so much to so many!!! Like I told you, you’ve blazed a path that we get to walk down easier because of your passion and love and light. Rest now!!!!! I love you!,” dancer Kameron Saunders said.
