The Australian entertainment community is mourning the loss of dancer and Netflix personality Criscilla Anderson, who has died at the age of 45 following a long and public battle with cancer.
In a deeply moving and unusual farewell, Anderson wrote her own death notice before she passed away. The emotional message was shared posthumously on Instagram by her close friend Lindsey, who confirmed Anderson's death on December 4.
A Final Message of Faith and Love
Lindsey, who was by Anderson's side until the very end, posted the pre-written farewell with the caption: "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," Anderson's message began.
She urged those grieving not to dwell in sadness. "Please don't stay in the darkness of this moment. I fought hard and I loved deeply. I am not gone ... I'm Home."
A Seven-Year Battle with Colon Cancer
Anderson, a former choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018. After being declared in remission in 2021, she received the devastating news that the cancer had returned the following year.
In a February 2022 interview with People magazine, the reality TV star acknowledged the high chance of recurrence. "That's why it's always been important for me to not only celebrate all the victories but prepare my mind for a bad scan," she said, explaining she had to treat the cancer "like a chronic disease."
The disease progressed rapidly in its final stages. On November 16, Lindsey shared a difficult health update, revealing an MRI had confirmed the cancer had spread to Anderson's brain.
A Legacy of Strength and Family
In her final message, Anderson spoke directly to her four children: Ethan, 14, Emmarie, 12, Everleigh, 9, and step-daughter Savannah, 17.
She left each child a personalised message of love and encouragement, telling them she would always watch over them and asking her wider circle to "hold them close."
Her ex-husband, country singer Coffey Anderson, from whom she separated in 2022, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. "Criscilla defined strength and fighter like no other person on the planet," he wrote. "Heaven gained a star today. So, dance your heart out on the beach in heaven."
Anderson's career was illustrious. A talented hip hop dancer, she performed with major artists including Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Snoop Dogg. She gained wider recognition through her appearance in the Netflix docuseries about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and the 2010 reality show Country Ever After with Coffey Anderson.
Her friend Lindsey's final description of her resonates: she was "the strongest human I've ever met," fighting with "a grit and grace that humbles us all."
