Jeannie Mai Hospitalized Undergoing Serious Throat Surgery, Forced To Leave 'DWTS'
By Mike Walters on November 2, 2020 at 6:17 AM EST
'DWTS' hopeful Jeannie Mai has been forced to leave the dancing competition show after she was hospitalized for a throat condition that will require emergency surgery.
The 'Real' host made the shocking announcement Monday, and will now miss the rest of this season of 'Dancing With The Stars.' According to reports, Mai is suffering from a condition called, "epiglottitis," which is when the flap at the base of the tongue becomes swollen, which prevents food from entering the trachea (windpipe).
It's a potentially life-threatening condition that could include trouble swallowing which can result in drooling, "changes to the voice, fever, and an increased breathing rate."
Read Her Heartbreaking Statement...
"My doctors discovered a health concern with my throat which requires immediate attention and surgery," Mai told 'Good Morning America.'
She continued, "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."
The 'DWTS' hopeful confirmed the diagnosis with People and said, "It saddens me that I will not be able to continue with the competition on DWTS. I can't thank my partner Brandon enough for being so supportive and believing in me. I also want to thank MAI fans who voted every week and I wish everyone else in the competition the best of luck!"
There's More...
"Jeannie has inspired us, along with millions of fans, with her energy and dedication. We wish her a full and speedy recovery. Since Jeannie had to withdraw from the competition, tonight’s show will feature the eight remaining couples and single elimination. We will still have the relay dances and Tyra will explain how the judging and points work in the show," the show's producers said in reaction to the news.
As you know, Jeannie is currently dating rapper Jeezy and she will have family and friends by her side during the emergency surgery.
Mai's Pro Dancing Partner Responds...
Jeannie's dancing partner, Brandon Armstrong, reacted to the big news via a video message to GMA, saying, "We are devastated by the news that we're gonna have to cut this season short, but Jeannie's health does come first. Thank you to all the fans that have helped to get us this far and we are praying for a speedy recovery for Jeannie."
So, tonight's show will feature the remaining contestants, including rapper Nelly, The Bachelorette's Kaitlyn Bristowe, Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean, Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause, Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, and Catfish host Nev Schulman and a few others.
Get Well Soon!
