"Although I am grateful to be recovering safely, I can't lie... I am devastated by the fact that my journey with #DWTS will end this way."
UPDATE: 11/3/2020 7:20 am
Jeannie Mai is opening up about the hospitalization that led to her exit from "DWTS."
On Tuesday, "The Real" co-host offered an update on her condition, revealing she just had emergency surgery.
Posting a photo of herself in a hospital bed, Mai wrote, "I would never imagine ever having to write this, but I made it safely out of my emergency surgery. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Nasseri who identified my potentially life-threatening condition. What simply started as a sore throat had unbeknownst to me become a dangerous infection that already closed at least 60% of my airway and resulted in a throat abscess that spread in a matter of 3 days."
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Mai, who also shared a photo of herself and her "DWTS" partner Brandon Armstrong in the post, spoke about having to quit "Dancing with the Stars," saying she's "devastated" she had to leave the reality competition series.
"Although I am grateful to be recovering safely, I can't lie... I am devastated by the fact that my journey with #DWTS will end this way 🥺😞 Dancing on this show has been the most exhilarating adventure. I've gained both beautiful friendships and loving supporters. To my partner, @Brandonarmstrong, I'm sorry you don't get to make fun of my moves anymore while I gift you life gems on how to be a grown upðŸ¤ðŸ¤ª Love u so much lil bro, and will ALWAYS cherish the memories we made!!!"
Mai concluded by showing her support for the celebrities who are competing for the mirror ball trophy.
"And more good news? My thumbs still work hunnay, so I can spread my 20 votes across these final 8 superstar teams!!! Please everyone, TONIGHT watch for your fave #DWTS couple killen it in the ballroom cuz #TeamDreamofJeannie, we gotta share our love and VOTE!!!," she wrote, before sharing some of the team hashtags of the "DWTS" pairs still in the competition. "#TeamReachForTheSkai #TeamSellingIt #TeamLOCOmotion #TeamBriJo #TeamWillYouAcceptThis Dance #TeamPrettyMessedUp #TeamBeNeevers #TeamDaNelly LEGGGGGO💯‼"
ORIGINAL STORY 11/3/2020 8:30 AM
Jeannie Mai has been forced to exit "Dancing with the Stars" after being hospitalized for an inflammatory condition.
On Monday, "The Real" co-host announced that her "DWTS" journey has come to an end. Mai, 41, who was a celebrity contestant on Season 29 of the reality competition series, was diagnosed with epiglottitis, a very rare and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the tissue protecting the windpipe becomes inflamed, possibly blocking airflow to the lungs.
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View Story"My doctors discovered a health concern with my throat which requires immediate attention and surgery," Mai said in a statement on "GMA" Monday morning. "I am heartbroken that my DWTS journey has to end here."
"I have pushed myself to new limits physically and mentally, and I am so proud of how far we've come," she added.
Mai's professional partner, Brandon Armstrong, shared a video message on "Good Morning America" and thanked the fans for their support.
"Guys, we are devastated by the news that we're gonna have to cut this season short. But Jeannie's health does come first," Armstrong explained. "Thank you to all the fans that have helped get us this far and we are praying for a speedy recovery from Jeannie."
.@DancingABC celebrity Jeannie Mai hospitalized and forced to leave show. #DWTS@LaraSpencer https://t.co/4GG0JC3wpT pic.twitter.com/C97xQFJzm0
— Good Morning America (@GMA) November 2, 2020 @GMA
"Dancing with the Stars" also confirmed the news in a statement on Twitter.
"Jeannie Mai will not be able to continue to compete on #DWTS this season due to a health concern that requires immediate attention," the statement read. "Jeannie has inspired us, along with millions of fans, with her energy and dedication. We wish her a full and speedy recovery."
The show continued, "Since Jeannie had to withdraw from the competition, tonight’s show will feature the eight remaining couples and a single elimination."
During last week's episode of "DWTS," Mai and Armstrong were left in the bottom two, but were saved by the judges. While Derek Hough voted to save "Cheer" star Monica Aldama, Bruno Tonioli threw his support behind Mai. The final decision ultimately came down to Carrie Ann Inaba, who voted to save Mai and Armstrong.
Following Mai's departure, there are eight couples left in the competition.
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