The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are grieving the loss of their former choreographer, Criscilla Crossland, a celebrated hip-hop performer who died this week at age 45 after facing multiple rounds of colon cancer since 2018.

The team honored her on Instagram, writing: “In loving memory of our dear friend, Criscilla Crossland. Her creativity, passion, and resilience touched everyone within the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders family. The light and love she brought into our world will stay with us forever.”

Current and former cheerleaders also expressed their heartbreak.
Reece Weaver shared, “Our sweet Criscilla made an impression on everyone she met.”
Parker Kilpatrick added that many will keep her close to their hearts.

Crossland, known to many from the 2020 Netflix show “Country Ever After,” leaves behind three children with her ex-husband, country singer Coffey Anderson. The pair were still in the process of divorcing at the time of her passing, according to USA Today.

Cheerleader Brooklyn Davis posted, “Praying for her beautiful family. She was such a bright light to all of us.”
Tori Skillings wrote, “Criscilla was extraordinary. We love you, and we know you’re dancing in heaven.”

A close friend, Lindsey, shared Crossland’s final message, written before her death.
In it, Crossland addressed her community: “If you’re reading this, I’ve finally gone peacefully into the arms of Jesus. Don’t stay in the sadness of this moment. I fought with everything I had and loved with everything I was. I’m not gone—I’m Home.”

She also spoke directly to her children: “My loves, I’m still with you. When you feel a moment that’s warm or strangely perfect, that’s me. I’m still your mom. I’m still yours.”