Tamar Braxton quits 'Dancing With the Stars' due to blood clots in her lungs
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}DANCING WITH THE STARS - "Episode 2108" - The "Dancing with the Stars" celebrities paid tribute to influential figures in their lives on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET). The dance styles included Argentine Tango, Foxtrot, Contemporary, Salsa, Paso Doble and the Viennese Waltz. For the first time this season, the couple with the highest score from their solo dance was be granted immunity from elimination next week and also received 3 additional points. For the first time ever, each of the six couples that did not receive immunity were then paired up to compete in a head-to-head dance-off to be voted on by America in real-time on www.ABC.com and the three judges. The couple with the majority of the four potential votes from each dance-off earned an extra 2 points, increasing their overall score. At the end of the night, one couple faced elimination. (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Images) (2015 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.)
Tamar Braxton will have to give up her shot at the mirrorball trophy on this season's "Dancing With the Stars."
The 38-year-old singer announced she's dropping out of the competition on Wednesday morning due to health issues, including blood clots in her lungs.
"With a heavy heart I regret to inform you that my season of #dwts has to come to an end along with the rest of my tour dates with @musicbykem," she Instagrammed alongside a picture of her lying in a hospital bed with her pro partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. "After yesterday's final #dwts performance I went back to the hospital (after the doctors didn't want me to leave in the first place) only to find out that I don't have pneumonia but something way more serious and that is having several P.E.'s (blood clots in both sides of my lungs)."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WATCH: Ill Tamar Braxton Rushed to the Hospital
"As you all know I will be the first to always encourage anyone to push through any obstacle that comes along one's way. But in this case, my health is my current obstacle," she added. "And in TRUE #tamartian form I must go about this the exact same way as I would anything else. I woke up to a mirror and saw myself this morning and that makes me the winner because that almost wasn't the case. Take care of yourselves... I love you and thank you ALL for your support p.s. Big hugs and kisses to my boo @iamvalc for being beyond a friend, brother and the BEST partner EVER."
Braxton was hospitalized during Monday's rehearsals, for what Chmerkovskiy said was pneumonia. She missed most of Monday night's live show due to her illness, but was not eliminated from the competition after making a last-minute return 20 minutes before the end of the episode.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"You just saw a person that shouldn't have been here and was here because she felt bad for her partner," Chmerkovskiy, who was visibly emotional, said of Braxton's obvious fatigue. "I feel really bad because it shouldn't be like that. It should be a fun journey."
On Tuesday, he showed his support for his struggling partner.
"Now that's the Tamar I know. The one I call my friend," Chmerkovskiy Instagrammed. "And after tonight will forever call my family. I love you with all my heart, and will always have your back. #teamvalentay @tamarbraxtonher."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WATCH: Bindi Irwin's 'Dancing With the Stars' Contract Denied Because Judge Wants Proof Her Dad Died
Braxton is not the only contestant this season that's been forced to withdraw from the competition due to health reasons. Kim Zolciak withdrew in September after she said she suffered a blood clot that caused a "mini-stroke."