TLC’s T-Boz Sidelined by Sickle Cell Crisis, Misses Its Iconic Tour.
T-Boz is concentrating on her well-being. The singer's sickle cell condition was verified by their representative as the reason for the TLC member's (actual name Tionne Watkins) absence from recent It's Iconic Tour performances with Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.
"Tionne recently experienced a sickle cell crisis that required hospitalization," the statement that USA Today was able to receive on September 2 started, "and she is currently recovering and regaining her strength."
Fortunately, since her bandmate Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas has continued to perform live throughout the tour, fans won't have to chase waterfalls.
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"Because the It's Iconic Tour is such an interactive show," the message went on, "we made the decision to continue with Chilli performing and receiving incredible support from Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, and most importantly, the fans."
In 1996, at the age of 26, T-Boz, who was diagnosed with the blood condition at the age of 7, made the diagnosis public. Chilli's crew also thanked everyone who tried holla for their assistance.
"The love shown for T-Boz has been overwhelming," the statement continued. "Hearing audiences sing her parts, lift her up in prayer, and surround TLC with so much love has meant more than we can express."
"Sickle cell is a serious illness, so we ask everyone to please keep the prayers coming as Tionne continues to recover," the declaration came to an end. "We are immensely grateful for the love and support."
Reporters have contacted TLC representatives for more comment, but they have not yet received a response.
During their Connecticut tour performance, Chili wasn't too proud to seek fans for assistance while she proceeded to play without her bandmate.
"My sister is not here right now," according to videos making the rounds on social media, the 55-year-old remarked onstage on August 28. "She has sickle cell. I think most of you know all the stuff that goes on with sickle cell when she has an episode, which is what's happening right now, but she's so much better."
"I want to ask each and every one of you to help me hold her down tonight," she underlined. "So thank you in advance for your support and understanding, and this is for T-Boz."
T-Boz, who is the mother of two children, Chance, 11, whom she adopted in 2016, and Chase, 25, with her ex, Mack, 10, previously revealed details about her health, which necessitated weeks or months off even during the peak of TLC's career.
"I was told at 7 years old I would never live past 30," in 2017, she appeared on ABC News. "I would be disabled my whole life and never have kids. But I've traveled the world with TLC. I've worked with Michael Jackson."
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