Former SYTYCD Finalist Donyelle Jones Passes Away at Age 46

Donyelle Jones, celebrated for her appearances on So You Think You Can Dance, has passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. Her family confirmed the loss through her official social media, where fans and colleagues shared heartfelt messages of sympathy.

Remembering Donyelle Jones

On December 2, 2025, Donyelle Jones, also known as Donyelle Denise Wilson, died at the age of 46. She had been fighting breast cancer for nearly ten years. A family member shared the news on her Instagram account, writing:

"Today at 8:34 am, Donyelle Denise Wilson transitioned. A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. And a warrior who fought cancer every single day she was here. Her spirit never dimmed. Her heart never hardened. And even in the storm, she never lost her smile."

Jones was first diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2016, which eventually progressed to stage 4 metastatic cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Throughout her illness, she kept her followers updated on Instagram about her health, demonstrating courage and transparency.

In May 2025, she revealed that her cancer had advanced to stage 4, and just a week before her passing, she shared that she had entered hospice care. In her final update, she mentioned her liver had shut down and expressed gratitude for the countless messages and prayers she received over the years.

Career Highlights

Donyelle Jones rose to fame on the second season of So You Think You Can Dance in 2006, where her distinctive hip-hop and jazz fusion style earned her third place. Beyond the show, she appeared in the films Be Cool (2005) and Spirited (2022), leaving a lasting mark on both television and film audiences.

Author: Grace Ellison