DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Update After Missing Premiere Episode

Carrie Ann Inaba really jived with the Dancing With the Stars premiere.

As many of you know, I won’t be able to join the season 34 premiere, and honestly, it breaks my heart to miss it. I’ve been feeling under the weather, but I just wanted to say how incredibly grateful I am for all the love and support you’ve all shown me. This show means the world to me, and knowing you’re cheering me on truly lifts my spirits!

The 57-year-old praised the entire cast and crew of Dancing with the Stars, calling the premiere episode “incredible” in a post on her Instagram Story on September 17th.

Carrie Ann added, “I’m so grateful for all your kind messages and support.”

The choreographer, who posted a photo of flowers from ABC, expressed gratitude for how *Dancing With the Stars* dealt with what she described as a difficult, personal matter, noting they handled it with respect.

At the start of the show, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough explained Carrie Ann’s absence, joined by Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.

Alfonso welcomed everyone watching from home and introduced the judges, noting that Carrie Ann wasn’t feeling well but hoped to return next week.

Julianne added, “Get well soon, Carrie Ann. We love you.”

Just before the show aired live, Carrie Ann let everyone know she wouldn’t be able to be at the judges’ table.

She announced on Instagram on September 16th that she won’t be able to perform tonight because she’s not feeling well. She plans to rest and hopes to be back next week, fully recovered.

She wished all the contestants, including well-known faces like Hilaria Baldwin, Alix Earle, Corey Feldman, Robert Irwin, and Dylan Efron, good luck, and said she’d be supporting them from home.

She did just that, sharing a glimpse on her Instagram Story of her eagerly anticipating the start of the broadcast.

Carrie Ann wasn’t the only familiar face missing from the ballroom this season. Professional dancer Sasha Farber also didn’t compete on season 34. Despite this, the 41-year-old stayed connected to the show by hosting a TikTok Live, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look during the premiere.

For more from all the celebs competing this year, keep reading.