Donyelle Jones, finalist of "So You Think You Can Dance", passes away at the age of 46

Donyelle Jones, known for her appearance on So You Think You Can Dance, passed away on Tuesday, her family confirmed on her official social media. She was 46 years old.

Using her full name, Donyelle Denise Wilson, her family shared: "A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. A warrior who battled cancer with unwavering courage every single day." They added, "Her spirit remained bright, her heart stayed open, and even during the toughest times, she never lost her smile."

Jones had been living with breast cancer for nearly ten years. The nonprofit group Dancers Against Cancer highlighted the severity of her illness, stating that her stage 3C cancer involved "a double mastectomy, exhaustive chemotherapy sessions, and the challenges of metastatic breast cancer."

She gained national attention as a contestant on the second season of So You Think You Can Dance in 2006, finishing third behind Travis Wall and Benji Schwimmer. Beyond reality television, Jones appeared in the 2022 holiday film Spirited, starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, and also featured in the 2005 movie Be Cool with John Travolta and Uma Thurman.

Just a week prior to her passing, Jones shared a heartfelt video with her followers, reflecting on her battle with illness and her acceptance of hospice care. She expressed gratitude for the support she received over the years and shared her perspective on life and faith, acknowledging the "ten years of miracles" she had experienced.

Jones encouraged people to prioritize community and family, stating, "Nobody does anything alone," and reflecting on how the pandemic has transformed the world.

Following her death, actress Yvette Nicole Brown honored her on social media, calling Jones "the best of us" and thanking her for demonstrating how to "live, fight, love, and dance."

Author: Sophia Brooks