The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are mourning the loss of a beloved choreographer and celebrated performer who passed away this week at the age of 45. Known for her dynamic energy, creativity, and mentorship, she had battled several episodes of colon cancer since 2018, showing resilience and courage throughout her illness.
In a heartfelt post on the team’s Instagram page, the Cowboys Cheerleaders wrote: “In loving memory of our dear friend. Her artistry, passion and strength inspired so many in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders family. The spirit, talent, and heart she shared will never be forgotten.”
Her influence extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. Former dancers, colleagues, and fans alike have spoken about the transformative impact she had on those around her, not only through choreography and performance but also through her guidance, encouragement, and personal example.
Several Cowboys Cheerleaders shared personal reflections on social media. “Our sweet friend,” wrote cheerleader Reece Weaver. “She has left her mark on everyone she came into contact with. I’ll always remember her laughter, her encouragement, and the way she could light up any room she walked into.”
Parker Kilpatrick added: “So many of us will always, always cherish her in our hearts. She taught us not just how to dance, but how to give our best in every part of our lives.”
Beyond her work with the Cowboys Cheerleaders, she was also a performer on a larger stage, including a starring role in a Netflix series that showcased her versatility and charisma. Her presence on screen reflected the same passion, precision, and artistry that defined her choreography, earning admiration from audiences worldwide.
She was also a devoted mother to three children and balanced her career with family life, navigating challenges with grace and strength. Despite undergoing ongoing medical treatment and facing personal struggles, she remained committed to her craft and to inspiring those around her.
It is at this point that her identity is revealed: the late choreographer and Netflix star is Criscilla Crossland. Known for her work with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and for starring in the 2020 Netflix series Country Ever After, Crossland left a lasting legacy in both dance and entertainment.
Crossland’s family life, including her children with country singer Coffey Anderson, remained central to her world. The couple was still undergoing divorce proceedings at the time of her death, adding an extra layer of complexity to her personal circumstances. Nevertheless, those who knew her say she always prioritized love, care, and mentorship above all else.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders honored Crossland with a video montage on Instagram, celebrating her life, artistry, and the bonds she formed with the team. The montage included highlights from her choreography, on-stage performances, and candid moments with colleagues, reflecting the joy, dedication, and heart she shared throughout her career.
“Prayers for her beautiful family,” wrote cheerleader Brooklyn Davis on Instagram. “Such an incredible light to us all. Her energy, kindness, and support touched everyone she met.”
Tori Skillings, another team member, added: “Criscilla was such an amazing woman. We love you so much and know you are dancing in heaven. Her spirit, energy, and heart will remain with us forever.”
Before her passing, Crossland shared a final message to her loved ones, which was shared publicly by her friend Lindsey. In it, she conveyed faith, comfort, and enduring love for her children, friends, and extended family.
“My sweet community,” her message began. “If you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus—peacefully and surrounded by love. Please don’t stay in the darkness of this moment. I fought hard and I loved deeply. I am not gone… I’m Home.”
She went on to speak directly to her children: “My babies… I am watching over you. When a moment feels warm, familiar, or too beautiful to be coincidence—that’s me. I’m still mothering you. I’m still yours.”
Her influence extended beyond choreography and performance. Many dancers credit Crossland for shaping their careers, offering mentorship that went far beyond the studio. She was known for pushing performers to excel while creating an environment of support, kindness, and growth. Her lessons often combined technical skill with life guidance, leaving a lasting impact on those she trained.
Her role on Netflix allowed her artistry to reach a wider audience, blending professional skill with natural charisma. Fans of Country Ever After have praised her performance for authenticity and energy, noting that her presence brought depth and vibrancy to the series.
The Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Instagram tribute, featuring the video montage and accompanying posts, became a central hub for honoring her life. The montage included both professional highlights and personal moments, illustrating the breadth of her impact and the warmth she brought to those around her.
Those who worked with her describe her as a transformative figure who inspired confidence, creativity, and joy. “She had a way of seeing the best in people,” Reece Weaver wrote. “She made everyone around her feel capable, valued, and motivated. Her energy was infectious, and her lessons will carry on in all of us.”
In remembering her life, it is evident that Crossland’s legacy extends far beyond choreography or television. She was a mother, mentor, and friend who impacted countless lives through her artistry, dedication, and generosity. Her courage in facing health challenges, coupled with her commitment to family and career, has left an enduring impression.
Her final words, shared publicly by her friends, offer both comfort and a sense of continuity. While she is no longer physically present, her spirit, guidance, and love continue to resonate with her family, colleagues, and fans. “I am not gone… I’m Home,” she wrote, providing a poignant reminder of the legacy she leaves behind.
In the wake of her passing, fans, colleagues, and fellow performers have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating her artistry, mentorship, and heart. The impact of her life can be seen in the countless dancers she inspired, the performances she elevated, and the enduring warmth she brought to everyone around her.
As the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, her friends, and the broader dance community grieve, one truth remains clear: Criscilla Crossland’s life and work will continue to inspire for years to come. Her artistry, her love for her children, and her ability to uplift and guide those around her ensure that her memory will never fade.
For those who knew her personally, and for the many who admired her from afar, Criscilla Crossland remains a figure of resilience, passion, and extraordinary talent—an enduring light in the world of dance and entertainment.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
