why is carrie ann not on dwts

Carrie Ann Inaba is not on "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) Season 34 premiere because she is feeling quite ill. She announced her absence due to illness on Instagram just hours before the premiere aired on September 16, 2025. She expressed that she is resting and hopes to return next week in good health. There was no substitute judge filling in for her during the premiere. Her fellow judges and co-hosts, including Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Julianne Hough, expressed their well wishes for her recovery. Carrie Ann has been a long-time judge on the show since its debut in 2005, and her absence is expected to be temporary only for this premiere episode.