(Instagram)
Tamar Braxton was a fierce competitor on Dancing With the Stars, even though she was battling health issues throughout her time on the show. Her schedule was just too hectic and she ended up developing pneumonia, which then led to blood clots in her lungs. In turn, she was forced to quit the show. This means that only four couples are dancing in the semi-finals.
Last Monday, Braxton went to the ER just hours before the live DWTS show and missed most of the show, appearing just in time to perform her duet routine with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, along with Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess. According to TMZ, Braxton later found out that she had blood clots on both sides of her lungs. After making the hard decision to leave the competition, Braxton posted the following message online:
I woke up to a mirror and saw myself this morning and that makes me the winner because that almost wasn’t the case.
When Braxton announced her decision, she did so via Instagram, writing this:
With a heavy heart I regret to inform you that my season of #dwts has to come to an end along with the rest of my tour dates with @musicbykem. After yesterday’s final #dwts performance I went back to the hospital (after the doctors didn’t want me to leave in the first place) only to find out that I don’t have pneumonia but something way more serious and that is having several P.E.’s (blood clots in both sides of my lungs) … As you all know I will be the first to always encourage anyone to push through any obstacle that comes along one’s way. But in this case, my health is my current obstacle. And in TRUE #tamartian form I must go about this the exact same way as I would anything else. I woke up to a mirror and saw myself this morning and that makes me the winner because that almost wasn’t the case. Take care of yourselves… I love you and thank you ALL for your support❤️ p.s. Big hugs and kisses to my boo @iamvalc for being beyond a friend, brother and the BEST partner EVER.
Her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy’s response was:
Now that’s the Tamar I know. The one I call my friend. And after tonight will forever call my family. I love you with all my heart, and will always have your back. #teamvalentay @tamarbraxtonher.
Other fellow cast members were sad to hear the news of Braxton’s leaving as well. Derek Hough opened up about his feelings on Braxton’s health scare, telling TV Guide:
I can’t complain too much about my week. Tamar’s was far worse. We didn’t really know what was going on Monday night. It all just kind of happened and no one knew if she was gonna come back or be able to dance until she did. It was pretty wild. And now she’s out. Two people have had to pull out this season due to blood clots. That’s crazy. But health is always more important. I admire Tamar’s perseverance and dedication, but it’s not worth it at the risk of your health. You need your health first before you can do anything.
Earlier this season in September, contestant Kim Zolciak also she suffered a blood clot, which ended up causing a “mini-stroke.” She too had to withdraw from the competition.
