Carrie Ann Inaba has admitted she is “always in pain” due to Sjögren’s disease, a condition she says nearly ended her 20-year run on Dancing With the Stars.
The 56-year-old judge told Fox News the autoimmune disorder brings “debilitating” joint pain and exhaustion that never stops.
It is not just dryness. It is pain that never quits.
For two decades, Inaba sat behind the judges’ table. Few knew what she endured to get there.
What Is Sjögren’s Disease?
Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disorder that attacks moisture-producing glands. It causes dry eyes, dry mouth, and severe fatigue.
Inaba’s case goes further. She experiences muscle aches and joint pain so intense it affects her ability to work.
Millions live with the condition. Most are women. Most suffer silently because the symptoms are invisible.
Inaba’s story makes the invisible visible.
‘Always in Pain’: The Fox News Confession
In her Fox News interview, Inaba was blunt about her daily reality.
“It’s not just dryness—it’s exhaustion and pain that never stops,” she said.
The admission was a departure from her polished TV persona. On air, she appeared composed. Off camera, she was fighting to function.
She admitted fearing judgment. She worried colleagues would see her as weak.
So she hid the extent of her suffering.
The Breaking Point: Missing DWTS for the First Time
In 2023, Inaba missed a Dancing With the Stars episode. It was the first time in 20 years.
A severe flare-up left her unable to walk. The pain was extreme. The anxiety was worse.
She told E! News she feared the disease would cost her the job she loved.
She did not tell producers the full extent of her condition at the time. She called it “silent suffering.”
The mental toll was enormous. She worried about letting the team down. She worried about being replaced.
How She Fought Back
Inaba did not give up. She worked with doctors to manage symptoms through medication and lifestyle changes.
She learned to pace herself. Rest became part of her routine, not a sign of failure.
She also partnered with Novartis on the “Sjöut for Sjögren’s” campaign. Her struggle became advocacy.
“I want people to know they’re not alone,” she said.
She returned to the judges’ table. Her streak continues.
The Hidden Toll on Careers and Mental Health
Inaba’s experience is not unique. Many professionals with chronic illness fear disclosure.
They worry about stigma. They worry about being passed over for promotions. They worry about being seen as less capable.
The mental health burden is real. Anxiety, depression, and isolation often accompany the physical symptoms.
Workplace accommodations matter. Self-advocacy matters. Inaba’s story shows both are possible.
Tables: The Invisible Symptoms vs. Visible Reality
| Symptom | Inaba’s Experience | Impact on Work |
|---|---|---|
| Joint pain | Debilitating, constant | Difficulty sitting through long tapings |
| Fatigue | Exhaustion that never stops | Reduced energy for rehearsals and travel |
| Muscle aches | Severe during flare-ups | Missed first DWTS episode in 20 years |
| Anxiety | Fear of being seen as weak | Delayed disclosure to producers |
Key Takeaways for Chronic Illness Warriors
Inaba’s journey offers practical lessons for others living with chronic illness.
| Lesson | Action |
|---|---|
| Listen to your body | Rest is not weakness. It is strategy. |
| Build a support network | Doctors, family, friends. You cannot do it alone. |
| Find your voice | Speak up about your needs. Silence hurts you. |
| Consider advocacy | Turning pain into purpose can be healing. |
| Adapt, don’t quit | Your career can coexist with illness. |
A Legacy Beyond the Ballroom
Inaba transformed personal pain into public awareness.
Her 20-year DWTS streak is not just about dance. It is about resilience.
Even when the music stops, the fight continues.
Her message to others in similar struggles is simple: You are not alone. Seek help. Speak up.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Sjögren’s disease?
- A: Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disorder that attacks moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes, dry mouth, and severe fatigue. Inaba’s case also includes intense muscle and joint pain.
- Q: Why did Carrie Ann Inaba almost miss Dancing With the Stars?
- A: In 2023, a severe Sjögren’s flare-up left her unable to walk, forcing her to miss an episode for the first time in 20 years.
- Q: How does Carrie Ann Inaba describe her daily pain?
- A: In her Fox News interview, she said it’s ‘not just dryness’ but ‘exhaustion and pain that never stops,’ calling the condition ‘debilitating.’
Extended Reading
For further details on Inaba’s health battle and her advocacy work, refer to her interviews with Fox News, E! News, and Us Weekly. Her partnership with Novartis and the Sjöut for Sjögren’s campaign provides additional context on how she turned her diagnosis into a platform for education and support.