film & tv3 min(s) read
Netflix star announces her own death in heartbreaking social media post
Criscilla Anderson, known for her role in the 2020 Netflix reality series Country Ever After alongside her ex‑husband Coffey Anderson, has died after a long battle with colon cancer. She was 45.
Her death was announced through a posthumous message shared on Instagram by her close friend, Lindsey Villatoro. In the message, Criscilla wrote: "My sweet community, 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."
A heartfelt goodbye to her children and loved ones
Criscilla addressed her final words to her children — Ethan, Emmarie, Everleigh — and her stepdaughter Savannah. "To my children — my whole heart," she wrote.
"Ethan, you made me a mom. I’m still beside you, cheering you on.
"Savannah, my bonus girl — you were a gift God knew I needed.
"Emmarie, my Jesus-loving dancer — keep dancing through every season.
"Everleigh, my bright spark — chase your dreams boldly and without fear.
"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. #everybutterfly."
She continued by thanking the women in her life for their support. "Thank you for holding me when I couldn’t stand, wiping my tears, taking me to appointments, and making me laugh. You were God’s hands in my life for years."
"To my family…thank you for loving me so unconditional. Please take care of one another — my love is still wrapped around you."
A long and public fight with cancer
Criscilla was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018. After achieving remission in 2021, the cancer returned in 2022 and ultimately spread. She remained open about her journey, often sharing updates and messages of faith with her followers.
Her story gained national attention, in part due to her appearances on Country Ever After, where her resilience became a central focus.
Family and friends pay tribute
Following her death, Coffey Anderson posted a tribute to Criscilla, describing her as someone who "defined strength and fighter like no other person on the planet."
He wrote: "Heaven gained a star today.
"She said before she passed, 'if you see a butterfly, that will be me. If you miss me, a butterfly will show up. Remember….I’ll be there with you.'
"We miss you already. Our hearts are shattered. Our minds are jumbled. Our lives will never be the same. The house is quieter because you’re missing. The babies are resilient and strong as ever. We did good with them.
"So, dance your heart out on the beach in heaven. No more pain, no colostomy bag, no more neuropathy, no chemo, or radiation and you can eat as much dessert as you want with no calories.
"I’m glad you get to meet the two babies we lost…
"I love you more. 143."