Carrie Ann Inaba Feared Sjogren’s Diagnosis Would Cost Her 'DWTS' Job

Carrie Ann Inaba is pulling back the curtain on a scary period in her Hollywood career. The long-time *Dancing With the Stars* judge revealed that a secret medical diagnosis once left her terrified for her professional future on the hit ballroom competition series. Back when her health issues first surfaced, her biggest worry was whether her television career could survive the news. The dancer and TV host received a diagnosis of Sjogren’s disease in 2013. The autoimmune disorder brings a wave of difficult symptoms, including persistent fatigue, joint discomfort, and chronic dryness. At the time, Inaba chose to keep her diagnosis under wraps, worried that revealing her struggle might affect her standing with show executives and viewers.

What disease does Carrie Ann Inaba have?

Sjogren’s disease causes the body's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue, primarily targeting moisture-producing glands. For someone working under intense studio lights and maintaining a demanding live broadcast routine, managing the condition presented major daily challenges. Inaba kept her head down and stayed focused on her duties, working through her physical distress behind the scenes. Reports indicate that her initial reluctance to speak out stemmed from a common fear in the entertainment business. Inaba worried that being open about a chronic illness would lead decision-makers to view her as a liability. Rather than risk her position on the judging panel, she kept her health struggles private while continuing to grade ballroom performances every week.

BUZZBEAT

Is Carrie Ann Inaba still on Dancing With the Stars?

Inaba never gave up her seat at the panel. She stayed on as a primary judge on *Dancing With the Stars*, continuing her long tenure alongside her fellow panelists season after season. Over time, her perspective shifted from hiding her diagnosis to using her public platform to spark important conversations about autoimmune health. By eventually coming forward with her story, the television star turned a terrifying moment into a message of strength for fans facing similar battles. What once felt like a career-ending secret became a testament to her perseverance under the spotlight, proving that managing a serious diagnosis didn't mean giving up her passion.