'DWTS' Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Announces 'New Chapter'
Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba just announced a "new chapter" in her life.
On Saturday, May 16, the former professional dancer, 58, took to Instagram with an unexpected update for her followers.
"Lately, I've been thinking about my social media presence," Inaba began her post. "Like many of you, I have mixed emotions about it. And living with #sjogrensdisease makes posting a life filled with adventure and red carpets difficult. My nature is like all of you. I want to connect and share. But my fear is that my real life will be judged as 'sad,' 'dull,' 'boring.' However the TRUTH is my life is anything but that."
She continued, "I live in a small outward appearing world. But my inner world is infinitely rich with depth, emotion, and endless curiosity. I've decided it's time to use my pages the way I really want to, to share my private self. Not the 'celebrity' ...not the 'Carrie Ann Inaba' (said with a British accent), but the strip[p]ed down human being beneath it all."
To conclude her message, Inaba declared, "So here begins a new chapter. Join me as I step into the unknown. 🤍🙏."
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In the comments, the DWTS judge's followers flooded her with support. One Instagram user exclaimed, "I can't wait! it's so inspiring to see a person sharing their authentic selves!"
Another pointed out, "❤️❤️❤️ I think this will give all of us the permission to do the same. Thank you."
Someone else shared, "👏🤍✨ It's really about quality and authenticity over quantity. You've got this! 👌."
A different Instagram user commented, "Honestly, I love the real and raw and the mundane. Chronic illness warrior here and it's nice to see we aren't alone in this."
Meanwhile, yet another fan wrote, "Love this so much! I will be following along your journey, and thank you for being so vulnerable. Truly inspiring."
Recently, Inaba opened up about her autoimmune condition, Sjogren's disease, during an exclusive interview with Parade after suffering a medical emergency on a plane.
Next: DWTS Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Speaks Out After Medical Emergency on Plane (Exclusive)
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM.