Cheryl Burke Raised A 'DWTS' Army After This Inspiring Post

Cheryl Burke has made a name as a dancer, model, and television host. Fans know her best for her professional dancing on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," where she became the first female professional dancer to win the show.

Burke recently opened up to the public about her alcohol challenges and sobriety journey in a powerful Instagram post. DWTS fans responded to this bold step by rallying in support of the dancer.

In the post, the professional dancer discussed with her followers that she likes to take one day at a time to make any decisions relating to alcohol. Many fans found her words inspiring, especially those who could relate to her circumstance.

They also encouraged Burke to keep her head up and keep fighting despite the challenges she'd encounter. Keep scrolling to read the sweet words her fans had for her.

Not only is Burke the first female professional winner of the show, but she is also the longest-running one for winning the show two consecutive times. Her DWTS fans showed their ultimate support for her honest Instagram commentary.

Some fans admitted to struggling with similar issues and expressed that her post was inspiring.

"A FANTASTIC answer. My wife struggles every day not to drink. I show her your messages when you talk about this issue," a follower wrote, appreciating her.

Another fan specifically thanked Burke for sharing her struggles with the public, assuring her that her words would help inspire someone. The fan expressed that she thought it was "wonderful" and also thanked her "for being selfless."

A third Instagram user commented, "You are amazing, Cheryl, and I couldn't be prouder of you," and another fan expressed that they were also "Taking one day at a time and staying strong and positive."

In a recent interview for the Heart of the Matter podcast, the 37-year-old dance star admitted to drinking every day of the week. "I am definitely an alcoholic and addict, yes, 100%," she boldly stated.

She also referred to herself as a "functioning drunk," and explained that all the rules she had set to control her drinking habits frustrated her, as they did very little to stop her.

She then shared that it was difficult to pull through during her struggle with alcohol. In her words, "I was numbing—and we all know that that's a scary place," she said. "It was survival mode constantly, seven days a week for me."

Burke later admitted her sobriety to the public in an essay she wrote for Us Weekly in 2020 and that she had been sober since 2018. She wrote in the essay, "being public about my struggle made me hold myself accountable."

In the lengthy caption under the Instagram post where she discussed her sobriety journey, the star admitted to her fans that she did not know if she would go back to drinking or not.

Burke also acknowledged that many fans have asked several questions about her recovery journey, including if she thinks she'll ever drink again, especially those who admitted to "going through something similar."

"The answer is, I can't really tell you if I'm ever going to drink again," She responded, "Right now, as of today, I'm not drinking," she continued. She then urged fans to wake up each day and remind themselves to take one day at a time, as she does.

"We can't really predict the future or control the outcome – we can only be as present as possible in the moment. So, as of today, no, I'm not going to drink again," Burke explained.

Burke shared that she still struggled with staying strong amid her battle as an alcoholic. She admitted her struggles to her dance partner, Cody Rigsby, during rehearsals. Then, Rigsby paid respect to a friend he had recently lost to addiction.

Before the start of the show's 30th season, Burke admitted that she was nervous about returning to DWTS and having to perform completely sober. In her words, her thoughts were "louder than ever."

"My journey of sobriety has really opened my eyes up, and I am now clear-headed almost to a fault... that's honestly the reason why I used to drink, the star admitted. Many fans hope that she is strong enough to pull through these times.

Burke and her partner Rigsby will perform a Paso Doble to "Black Cat" for the show's upcoming tribute night to Janet Jackson's music. "Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.