‘Country Ever After’ Star Criscilla Anderson Dies at 45
Criscilla Anderson, a beloved figure known for her role in the 2020 Netflix reality series *Country Ever After*, passed away on December 2, 2023, after a courageous seven-year battle with colon cancer. She was just 45 years old. Beyond her television appearances, Criscilla was a talented dancer and choreographer, having worked with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. She was also the ex-wife of country singer Coffey Anderson, who is recognized for his heartfelt songs like “Mr. Red White and Blue” and “Better Today.” Coffey honored her memory with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing her as a symbol of strength and resilience, stating, “Heaven gained a star today.” His emotional message reflected the profound impact she had on his life and their children, emphasizing the love that remained despite their separation.
Criscilla’s journey with cancer began in 2018, and she shared her experiences through social media and the Netflix series, providing insight into her struggles and triumphs. Her close friend and photographer, Lindsey, announced her passing on Instagram, sharing a deeply moving final statement from Criscilla. In it, she expressed her love for her family and reassured them that she would continue to watch over them, saying, “If you see a butterfly, that will be me.” This poignant metaphor resonated with those who knew her, symbolizing her enduring spirit. Criscilla and Coffey married in 2009 and had three children together; despite their recent divorce, Coffey’s tribute highlighted the strong bond they shared as co-parents, showcasing moments of joy and love captured in family photos and videos.
Criscilla’s legacy extends beyond her talents and reality TV fame; it lies in her strength, love for her family, and the impact she made on those around her. Her final message urged her loved ones to embrace kindness and cherish each other, reminding them that “heaven isn’t as far away as it feels.” As fans and friends mourn her loss, they celebrate the vibrant life she led and the indelible mark she left on their hearts. Her story serves as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the enduring connections that transcend even the most challenging circumstances.
Criscilla Anderson, who starred in the 2020 Netflix reality TV series
Country Ever After
, died Dec. 2 after a seven-year battle with colon cancer. Anderson was 45.
In addition to appearing on the series, Anderson was a dancer and also worked as a choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Anderson was also the ex of country singer Coffey Anderson, who is known for songs such as “Mr. Red White and Blue” and “Better Today.”
He remembered Criscilla with a tender tribute on
Instagram
, writing, “Criscilla defined strength and fighter like no other person on the planet. Heaven gained a star today.” He also wrote, “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.”
Anderson was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018 and shared her cancer journey on Instagram, as well as on the 2020 Netflix series
Country Ever After
.
Criscilla’s longtime friend and photographer Lindsey
shared
the news of Criscilla’s death on Instagram, and included Criscilla’s final statement.
“My heart is shattered to share this. I promised Criscilla I would walk this journey with her whenever she couldn’t stand on her own two feet, and I pray she knows how fiercely she was loved,” Lindsey wrote. “Being by her side until the very end was the greatest honor of my life.”
“If you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus — peacefully and surrounded by love,” Criscilla’s final statement read. “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 later added words of love to her family and children, writing, “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”
Coffey’s Instagram tribute also noted, “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.’”
Criscilla and Coffey married in 2009 and had three children together, including a son and two daughters. Coffey also has another daughter from a previous relationship. An Instagram
post
from Lindsey, shared a few months ago, included photos of Criscilla and mentioned that she had been going through a divorce several months earlier, while Criscilla’s Instagram bio also
lists
her as divorced. Still, Coffey’s Instagram tribute included photos and videos of special family moments together, making it clear that a lot of love still abounds.
Criscilla’s statement closed by thanking her circle of family and friends, before adding, “Be gentle with each other. Hold my children close. And remember: heaven isn’t as far away as it feels.”
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering Celeb & Ent news.
