ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” upcoming season will play on without Karina Smirnoff.
The 37-year-old dancer announced on Facebook that she came to the decision after a lot of thought and prayer.
“I’ve decided to focus my energies on some other exciting endeavors including adding author to my resume,” she wrote Tuesday. “I have absolutely loved dancing for all of you for all these years and feel blessed to have been given a platform to put my passion for dance, choreography and creativity on display.”
Smirnoff danced on the hit reality competition for 10 years. She closed the note by thanking her fans.
“I love all of you so very much and couldn’t feel more grateful for your support in all that I do! Xo Karina,” Smirnoff wrote.
Smirnoff’s exit comes almost three months after Cheryl Burke left with the expiration of her contract. Having joined the show in Season 2, Burke is the first female pro to win two consecutive mirror-ball trophies, TheWrap previously reported.
More recently Derek Hough won’t return, as he’ll star opposite Broadway veteran Laura Benanti (“Nashville”) in “New York Spring Spectacular” for a limited run at New York’s Radio City Music Hall starting Mar. 7.
Also departing is Judge Len Goodman, who will put in his last season with the series’ return this spring.
“Dancing with The Stars” returns Monday, Mar. 16 at 8 p.m. on ABC.