In an upcoming interview with CBS Mornings, the late dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s mother, Connie Boss Alexander, and his younger brother, Drè Rose, express their feelings of being blindsided by the revelations in Allison Holker’s recent memoir, This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light. They share their perspectives with Gayle King, highlighting concerns about the portrayal of Stephen’s life and the family’s exclusion from the narrative.
Family’s Reaction to the Memoir
Connie and Drè convey their surprise and discomfort upon discovering intimate details about Stephen’s life through media coverage of Holker’s memoir. Drè emphasizes the family’s discontent with learning about these personal aspects publicly, stating, “We shouldn’t have to find out about that in the media. We’re a family.”
A significant point of contention is Holker’s reference to Stephen’s personal journals in her memoir. Connie and Drè express a strong desire to read these journals in their entirety to gain a deeper understanding of Stephen’s thoughts and experiences. Connie mentions, “Just to feel closer to him, ’cause these are his thoughts… who he was and what he was thinking from time to time.” Drè adds that he believes the journals contain insights into both positive and challenging aspects of Stephen’s life, including his personal and marital experiences. He voices concern that only selective portions have been shared publicly, suggesting a “cherry-picking” of content.
Strained Family Relations
The memoir’s publication and the manner of its promotion have reportedly strained the relationship between Holker and Stephen’s family. Drè criticizes the public nature of the memoir’s launch, expressing that the family should not have had to learn about its contents through the media. This sentiment underscores a feeling of exclusion and a lack of communication between Holker and Stephen’s immediate family members.
Holker’s Perspective
In response to the backlash, Holker has stated that her intention in writing the memoir was to share her own story and aspects of her life with Stephen to help others. She acknowledges the family’s concerns but emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health openly. Holker has also announced that proceeds from the book will benefit a mental health foundation, aiming to support those facing similar struggles.
Conclusion
The interview with CBS Mornings sheds light on the complex emotions and tensions arising from the publication of Holker’s memoir. Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s family members feel blindsided by the public revelations and express a deep desire to access his personal journals to fully understand his experiences. This situation highlights the challenges families face in navigating grief and the importance of open communication when sharing personal narratives.
