The Real Reason Carrie Ann Inaba Was Mysteriously Absent From the DWTS Premiere Amid Her ‘Invisible’ Illness: ‘I Wanted to Share…’
Dancing With the Stars Season 34 has got to be one of the most highly anticipated premieres this fall. However, a beloved judge announced they wouldn’t to be in the first episode.
Where was Carrie Ann Inaba on Dancing With the Stars?
On September 16, Carrie Ann Inaba announced that she was sick and taking care of herself in the meantime. “I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather. I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health, she wrote on Instagram. “In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home. 🤍🙏 Have a great show everyone! 🪩💃🏻🕺🏻⭐️” Judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough will be in attendance for the first episode. However, it’s unknown if she will have a replacement.
Several stars on the show showed their support for the longtime judge. Derek Hough commented heart emojis, while his sister and host Julianne Hough wrote, “Get better soon sis ❤️🩹.” DWtS pro Brittni Stewart commented, “Hope you feel better Carrie Ann! ❤️❤️” and contestant Hilaria Baldwin commented, “Feel better ❤️.”
At the beginning of the show, DWTS hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough addressed Carrie Ann’s absence. “Get well soon, Carrie Ann. We love you,” Julianne said.
Related: Dancing With The Stars Judge’s Salaries: Here’s How Much They Each Make
In June, Carrie Ann celebrated her 20th anniversary on the ABC dancing competition. “It’s been an incredible journey of self discovery and a wonderful experience witnessing the unique intersection of dance and human nature, competition and shared experience, artistry and vulnerability,” she shared on Instagram. “There has been nothing like it in my life.”
She continued, “I greatly appreciate having a “seat at the table” ( as they say) to share my thoughts, my truths, and my own personal experience to help shape the experience of others towards dance. 🪩”
The judge has been open about her health on her platform The Carrie Ann Conversations. “Going through life with an autoimmune condition, or several, like I do, can be a difficult process,” she wrote in April 2021. “Over the years I’ve been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and I have the markers for antiphospholipid syndrome, which can lead to blood clots. When many of us start our health journeys, even if we are fortunate enough to get a diagnosis, we can quickly end up with more questions than answers. Often when it comes to autoimmune conditions there is no perfect solution or clear path forward.”
She added that living with “invisible” illnesses “does not make for an easy life.” The symptoms she experiences daily—like chronic fatigue, confusion, pain, discomfort, dry eyes, joint pain, difficulty swallowing, and brain fog—can be “debilitating.”
“Not to mention, there are also the effects of medications, whether it be swelling or weight gain or loss … or just the fear of what it might be doing to your system in the long run,” she added.
Wishing good health and positive vibes to Carrie Ann!
