On August 18, 2025, fans of Dancing with the Stars were left stunned when judge Carrie Ann Inaba was rushed to the hospital for an emergency procedure. The 55-year-old television star revealed later that she had undergone an unexpected appendectomy after days of trying to fight through the pain at home. The shocking news set social media ablaze with concern, as fellow judge Derek Hough was spotted arriving at the hospital with flowers, showing just how close the DWTS family remains both on and off screen.
Inaba took to Instagram to share her story, posting a lighthearted video of her hospital room set to Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too.” In her caption, she admitted the ordeal was both painful and frightening, but also something she now views as a blessing. “While it’s been quite a painful experience, I also know it’s a gift to even feel this pain,” she wrote. “I realize after speaking with my doctor that it could have been much worse.”
Appendicitis, which often strikes suddenly, nearly left Inaba in a far more dangerous situation. She explained that the violent pain and vomiting hit her out of nowhere, but instead of rushing to the ER, she hesitated. Living with multiple autoimmune conditions, she is no stranger to unexplained health issues, and at first believed this episode might pass on its own. “I was wrong,” she admitted candidly. “I should have come straight to the hospital when it started.”
Part of her hesitation, she confessed, was her desire to remain at home with her beloved pets. Another reason was her familiarity with constant pain — something she’s endured for years. “I honestly didn’t want to leave my babies,” she said, “and I’m so accustomed to pain that I thought I should just let it play out.” The reality, however, was far more dangerous, and she now urges others not to ignore their symptoms.
Inaba’s message to fans was clear and heartfelt: “If you have pain in your abdomen, please have it checked out because it could be something very serious.” Her story serves as a reminder that appendicitis, while common, can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
The star also took a moment to praise her medical team at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, expressing gratitude for their quick care and kindness. “If I needed to do it again, I would come back to you,” she joked, relieved that her appendix is no longer something she has to worry about.
This isn’t the first time Carrie Ann has been open about her health battles. In 2021, she revealed on her wellness platform Carrie Ann Conversations that managing autoimmune conditions can feel isolating. Some urged her to keep those struggles private, but she chose to speak openly in hopes of helping others. “I believe strongly in sharing my journey, my solutions, and the things that have helped me with anyone who could use it — this is how communities are formed,” she said.
Now, after a scary brush with what could have been a much more serious outcome, Carrie Ann Inaba is once again using her platform to remind others of the importance of listening to their bodies. Her honesty, combined with the outpouring of support from fans and friends alike, has only reinforced the bond between the DWTS family and its audience.
