Britt Stewart, Taylor Hanson’s professional dance partner on “Dancing With the Stars,” posted an emotional tribute to the Hanson singer on Instagram Saturday, days after the pair’s unexpected elimination from the competition.
“What we created together was bigger than how many weeks we were given to create it,” Stewart wrote in the post, which included photos and videos from rehearsals, performances and other moments the two shared during the season.
“Taylor, thank you for showing up fully and authentically. Thank you for trusting me,” she continued. “I will forever be proud of our partnership and our DWTS journey together.”
Stewart, 37, said Hanson, 43, reminded her why she “love[s] to create and connect.” She added, “There are times in your life that you know will impact you in big ways,” calling her partnership with Hanson on Season 35 one of those times.
Stewart, who became the show’s first Black female pro when she joined in 2020, also thanked fans for their support following the elimination.
“From my heart, THANK YOU for the love, support and messages over the past few days. I feel it all and it means more than you know ❤️ #dwts #TeamBRITTAY.”
Stewart and Hanson’s elimination surprised many viewers because the pair was not the lowest-scoring couple that week — they received an 18 out of 30 for their foxtrot. Also in danger that night were “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, who dances with Witney Carson, and Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson, who is partnered with Emma Slater.
Video of the elimination moment circulated widely afterward, showing Stewart’s reaction and Hanson telling her he was “really sorry” repeatedly.
In his final interview on the show with co-host Julianne Hough, Hanson reflected on working with Stewart.
“This has been everything. This has been incredible. She’s shown me things I didn’t think were possible and I’m so grateful for this time. Amazing.”
A tearful Stewart responded, “Taylor, I am so grateful that I have you in my life. Thank you so much for everything. Thank you.”
Fellow DWTS pro Ezra Sosa reacted to video of the elimination on TikTok, commenting, “I’m so pissed.”
Hanson and Stewart later appeared on the official “Dancing With the Stars” podcast Thursday to discuss their season. Hanson became emotional describing the closeness of the partnership.
“Everybody’s so talented on the show. It’s insane. It’s crazy how talented these pros are, but I saw Britt and — I’m getting emotional now. She has done what I’ve done, in a lot of ways, with dance for most her life. She’s thrown her heart at it, and that’s the thing most people avoid.”
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