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She was hospitalized with a life-threatening condition this week.
Jeannie Mai’s time on “Dancing With the Stars” came to an abrupt early stop this week after doctors discovered an illness that needs to be addressed immediately.
The 41-year-old co-host of “The Real” was competing on the dance show with professional dancer Brandon Armstrong. But this week, she was hospitalized due to the inflammatory illness epiglottitis. She shared her health update in a statement to “Good Morning America” on Monday.
“My doctors discovered a health concern with my throat which requires immediate attention and surgery. 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.”
Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that causes part of the throat, the epiglottis, to swell, constricting airflow to the lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Mai — who is engaged to rapper Jeezy — and Armstrong were fan favorites in the 29th season of the competition reality show, which airs Mondays on ABC. According to ABC, the show will still run the dance relay, but will now only eliminate one group from the lineup.
Mai’s “DWTS” partner addressed the news as well on Monday in a video message tweeted by “GMA.”
“Guys, we are devastated by the news that we’re gonna have to cut this season short,” Armstrong said. “But Jeannie’s health does come first. Thank you to all the fans that have helped get us this far and we are praying for a speedy recovery from Jeannie.”
Just last week, fellow “DWTS” pro Cheryl Burke suffered a scary fall during a rehearsal, reportedly injuring her head.
During the Sunday rehearsal, People reported that 36-year-old Burke lost her footing and fell while practicing with partner AJ McLean and hit her head on the floor.
“Cheryl and I were practicing during stage rehearsal and it did not go well,” the former Backstreet Boy, 42, said in a clip.
