"So You Think You Can Dance" Finalist Passes Away at 46, Almost a Decade After Cancer Diagnosis

Donyelle Denise Wilson, widely known in the dance community as Donyelle Jones, has passed away at the age of 46. Her passing was confirmed on her official Instagram account, stating that she "transitioned" on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 8:34 am.

Donyelles battle with cancer spanned nearly a decade. She was first diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2016, which eventually developed into stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Her family and friends remembered her as "A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. And a warrior who fought cancer courageously every day." They also highlighted that "Her spirit never dimmed, her heart remained open, and even during the hardest moments, she never lost her smile."

Donyelle gained widespread recognition as a dynamic hip-hop and jazz dancer on season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance in 2006. Her vibrant performances earned her third place in the competition, behind winner Benji Schwimmer and runner-up Travis Wall.

Throughout her illness, Donyelle shared her journey on social media. She celebrated milestones, including teaching her first dance class in four years on July 6, 2025, calling it "a birthday gift to myself." She expressed her reflections on life, saying, "Cancer has taken much from me, but I refuse to let grief overshadow the ways dance can still show up in my life."

In a video posted just six days before her passing, Donyelle spoke about putting her affairs in order and accepting her fate, stating she had "surrendered to whatever God's will is."

Many in Hollywood paid tribute to her, including Yvette Nicole Brown, who wrote on Instagram: "@donyelledenise8 was... no IS the best of us. One of one. We love you, Donnie! Thank you for showing us how to live, fight, love, and DANCE!"

Los Angeles-based dance company LA Dance Magic expressed their sorrow, saying they were "heartbroken" by her passing. They honored her passion, kindness, and the lasting impact she made on everyone around her.

Author: Sophia Brooks