Renowned dancer Witney Carson has made the heartfelt decision not to return for the upcoming 32nd season of the widely-loved television show “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. The 29-year-old professional dancer, celebrated for her appearances on the show, announced her departure via a TikTok video on Sunday, expressing that her family’s well-being is her top priority.
In her TikTok announcement, Carson shared the personal reasoning behind her decision, emphasizing the significance of her family and the weight of the choice she and her husband had to make. She revealed, “You guys know that family is the most important thing to me, and we just really felt that moving our entire family across the country right now was not for us.”
Carson, a beloved figure among the show’s fans, acknowledged the challenges of balancing her growing family and the demanding nature of the show. She spoke candidly about her commitment to her role as a mother and the need for stability for her children. “I also feel like I’m not quite mentally and physically ready for what the show calls for,” she stated.
Despite her departure, Carson’s love for dance remains unwavering. She expressed her excitement to cheer on her former colleagues and contestants. She remarked, “I love dance. That is my passion, so this was definitely a hard decision but I will be rooting for everybody on the show. I’m so excited.” She conveyed her hope that her exit is merely a temporary break and not a final farewell, concluding, “I definitely think this is just a break. I hope it’s not a goodbye.”
Carson’s journey on “Dancing with the Stars” began in 2014, during the show’s 18th season. Throughout her tenure, she partnered with notable figures such as Frankie Muniz and Kel Mitchell. Her victory came in season 19, when she secured the championship alongside partner Alfonso Ribeiro. Notably, Ribeiro currently co-hosts the show with Julianne Hough.
The forthcoming 32nd season is anticipated to bring new faces and excitement, despite the absence of Carson. Two potential contestants, Bachelorette Charity Lawson and Vanderpump Rules actress Ariana Madix, have been introduced ahead of the full reveal on Good Morning America on September 13. Julianne Hough, now in the role of a co-host, will return to the ballroom scene.
As the show progresses without Carson, it’s worth noting that both Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke had previously confirmed their exits after season 31. Furthermore, professional dancer Lindsay Arnold also decided not to return after the birth of her second child in May, citing her desire to prioritize her family.
With Carson’s departure, her fans and admirers will certainly miss her presence on the dance floor. As “Dancing with the Stars” Season 32 approaches its autumn premiere on ABC, it will be a season of change, anticipation, and continued entertainment for audiences worldwide. The show is also set to be available on Disney+ and Hulu simultaneously.
