Following the untimely death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, celebrities from all around Hollywood are voicing their thoughts. He killed himself when he was 40 years old.

The former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ’s wife Allison Holker Boss confirmed the news in a tearful note she shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday.

When asked about her husband, 34-year-old Allison said, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to reveal my husband Stephen has left us.” “Stephen illuminated every area he entered. Above all else, he valued his community, family, and friends. He thought that the finest way to lead was to do so in light and with love. He was the backbone of our family, the ideal husband and father, and a role model for his followers. To say he left a legacy and his positive impact will live on would be an understatement. I’m confident that not a day will go by during which we don’t think of him.

As soon as the news of the So You Think You Can Dance judge’s passing surfaced, Hollywood’s A-listers expressed their sadness.

Creator and judge of SYTYCD Nigel Lythgoe expressed his shock and devastation in a statement to PEOPLE, saying he was “heartbroken and devastated” and “at a loss to understand how someone as loved and inspirational to so many people as Stephen was can feel they are in such a dark place that they have no other choice but to end their life.”

He stated, in part, “With Twitch, it is beyond my comprehension.” He constantly smiled broadly and was happy. Every person he encountered loved him. The dance community will have a tough day today, but my thoughts are with his wife Allison and their children. We must recognize that mental illness affects our loved ones seriously and can oftentimes go unrecognized. While for many of us this is a happy time of year, we must be conscious that for other persons anxiety and bad feelings seem to be amplified.

Another SYTYCD alumna, Tiffany Maher, said in a different statement to PEOPLE: “My heart is devastated. Stephen “Twitch” was a prime illustration. He was really approachable and motivating. I’m so happy that I met him. He will never be forgotten or forgotten about. Allison and their children are being thought about with love and prayers.

The organizations behind SYTYCD, Fox Entertainment, 19 Entertainment, and Dick Clark Productions, told PEOPLE that they would never forget Stephen “tWitch” Boss because of the joy and brightness he brought into their lives and the lives of so many others. We lament this terrible, tragic loss of such a great, undeniable talent, and good friend together with his family, loved ones, and admirers. You will be sadly missed, “tWitch.”

Boss’ mentor, Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart, also emailed PEOPLE a message about his passing. A gifted man who had a kind heart and a large following of admirers and lovers died today. Stephen’s infectious and sincere smile quickly brightened the day of everybody who came into contact with him. Stephen’s kindness and energy will always be remembered for his contributions to the arts and in our hearts, even though we are grieved by his loss.

Condolences poured in on social media as well. Ellen DeGeneres sent a heartwarming message and an image of the pair hugging in response to the tragic news.

“I’m in shock. tWitch was nothing but love and sunshine.She published on Instagram. “Since he was my family, all I had to give him was love. We will miss him. Please extend your love and support to Allison and his three beautiful children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States and a regular guest on the Ellen show, shared a photo of Boss’s family on Instagram along with the caption, “I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show.”

“Stephen was a strong person who made sure that everyone in his surroundings experienced the kindness and hope he radiated. His spirit was there in every dance, DJ set, and artistic production he did. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Allison and their three kids, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia, she continued. And if you’re hurting and in need of someone to talk to, please know that you are never alone. There is always someone wanting to help. To call the crisis and suicide hotline via phone or text, dial 988.

Jennifer Lopez shared a number of photos with Boss, with whom she worked on the World of Dance, on Instagram. “Twitch’s soul is so bright and beautiful. startled and terribly depressed. @sir twitch alot, his wife, and their kids are sending their love and strength to you.