New York Post – 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.