DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Update After Missing Premiere Episode

How ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Addressed Carrie Ann Inaba’s Absence on Premiere

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

After the judge shared that she would unfortunately miss the show’s season 34 premiere due to an unspecified illness, Carrie Ann couldn’t help but gush about the show and all the love she received. 

“Bravo to the whole cast and crew of @dancingwiththestars,” the 57-year-old wrote on her Instagram Story Sept. 17. “That was an incredible premiere episode!”

Carrie Ann continued, “And thank YOU all for the well wishes. I’m touched at all the messages of support I received.”

The choreographer—who also shared a snapshot of a bouquet of flowers she received from network ABC—was also thankful for the “respectful way” Dancing With the Stars handled what she called “a very human situation.”

During the show’s premiere, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough addressed Carrie Ann’s absence alongside Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.

“It’s great to have all of you at home joining us in the ballroom and wonderful to see our judges—well, two of them,” Alfonso said. “Carrie Ann is under the weather and hopes to be back with us next week.”