On Sunday the professional dancer revealed that she is leaving Dancing With the Stars after 26 seasons, with Monday night’s season finale marking her “farewell dance.” her announcement comes a week after head judge Len Goodman confirmed that he will be retiring from the show, which now airs on Disney+.
In an emotional Instagram post, Burke, 38, reflected on her long history with the show, which includes being the first female pro dancer to win the show. After winning the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 2 with former boy bander Drew Lachey, Burke repeated the feat the following year with a new partner, football star. Emmitt Smith. Most recently, she was paired with TV weatherman Sam Champion, finishing the current 31st season in 13th place.
This isn’t the first time Burke, who sat out the competition show’s 19th through 22nd seasons to pursue other projects, which included joining Dance Moms. She also did not appear in DWTS’s Season 24 or Season 26, but had been a constant presence for the past five seasons.
In her goodbye note, Burke teased her final turn on the dance floor for the show’s Nov. 21 finale. She will be performing alongside pros Pasha Pashkov and Louis Van Amstel.
Burke, who this year divorced Mrs. Doubtfire actor Matthew Laurence after nearly three years of marriage, went on to thank her DWTS community “for being my rock [and] foundation … during the difficult moments.”
While it remains unclear what the next chapter of Burke’s career involves, the TV personality has recently given fans a glimpse of her life outside the ballroom. Along with her divorce and other intimate topics, Burke has spoken candidly about her sobriety, battle with body dysmorphia and experience with abortion. In September, she spoke about “choosing not to date” after her breakup and learning to focus on her own needs.
