After backlash over her not being part of the 2026 Dancing With the Stars tour cast, one pro has taken to social media to speak out on the issue

A DWTS pro has spoken up after she was not announced as part of the upcoming tour (Image: Getty)

The Dancing With the Stars Live Tour 2026 has confirmed which cast members are performing around the U.S., but one pro who is missing from the lineup has spoken out, after fans who were initially confused by her Season 34 partner were equally concerned by her absence.

The ABC show sends some of its pros and a few celebrities from each season on tour each spring to perform at live shows across the country, something fans have expressed excitement about over the years, especially after the show stopped airing a spring season.

However, after initially being angry when Rylee Arnold shared her wishes to be partnered with Robert Irwin for season 34–something that didn’t happen, many quickly began fuming after seeing she was not listed as one of the pro dancers headed out on the newest tour.

Confirmed for the lineup were Emma Slater, Val Chmerkovskiy, Britt Stewart, Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Jenna Johnson, Pasha Pashkov, Daniella Karagach, Ezra Sosa, and troupe member Hailey Bills.

Fans quickly demanded to know where Rylee was, though, after she participated in the tour for the last two years.

Fans quickly reacted after noticing rylee Arnold wasnt on the tour cast list (Image: Instagram/dwtstourofficial)

“Rylee!!!!!!!! Where on earth is Rylee’s name on this list?!?!?” one person commented on Instagram. 

“So excited!!! But Rylee?!?” a second asked.

“Waittt no Rylee,” a third said.

Others questioned if she had been “replaced” by Bills, who joined the show as a troupe member for the first time this year, and is notably Jenna Johnson’s niece.

Fans were enraged thinking Rylee had been replaced by a new face to the show (Image: ABC)

“So @ryleearnold1 is being replaced by Jenna’s niece Hailey,” one person said.

“I can not believe that @ryleearnold1 will not be on tour this year, she has been a Big Part of the success of the tour the past two seasons!!!!! Truly do hope this was her decision and not a decision made by the higher up!!! Seems like someone gets special privileges like how is Jenna/Val’s Niece on the Pro Tour when she is a New Troupe Member this year..” another ranted.

“WHY ARE THEY REPLACING RYLEE WITH HAILEY? I’m sorry, what?” a third asked.

Others warned that the show would face consequences for not having Arnold, who has proven to be a popular new pro.

Rylee then revealed it was her decision to pull back for her health after backlash (Image: Instagram/ryleearnold)

“Did you all not ask Rylee, or did she decline?? Because if you did her dirty, there will be a lot of upset fans,” one said.

The backlash led Rylee to quickly respond to the rumors she had been replaced, with the 20-year-old taking to her Instagram Stories to share she made the decision to step back due to her struggles with Type 1 Diabetes.

“So sad I won’t be on the DWTS tour his year. Being on tour the last two years was seriously the most amazing experience ever. I’ve made the best memories and met the best people!!” she wrote.

“This year I had to make the hard decision to sit it out and focus on my health, especially with managing my Type 1 diabetes, which can be tricky on the road,” she continued. “I’m gonna miss it SO much, but I’ll definitely be cheering everyone on and can’t wait to come watch!”

Ezra Sosa also spoke out, praising Rylee for her decision (Image: Instagram/Ezra Sosa)

Ezra Sosa also spoke up following the comments, praising Rylee for making the decision to prioritize her health.

“Just wanna take a sec to shout out @ryleearnold1 The decision you made to put your health first is such a strong and mature one, and I honestly admire that so much,” he wrote on his own Stories. “It takes real courage to do that in this industry, and I hope you know how inspiring that is.”

“I’m gonna miss you like crazy on tour, Ry. It won’t be the same without you, but I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to have you cheering us on. Love you always.”

The shows kick off on January 22 in Akron, Ohio, with the final show currently scheduled for May 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Rylee’s absence comes after she performed on the tour the last two years (Image: ABC)

The show will likely choose its celebrity participants at a later date, and it will most likely pick celebs who make it further in the competition–and whose partners are also participating.

The exception to the rule would be if the winning pro was not initially announced as part of the lineup, as they do join their celebrity on select dates if not originally joining for the entire tour.

This was the case with Jenna Johnson on the last tour, as she appeared on select dates with Season 33 champ Joey Graziadei, and when Mark Ballas returned to dance with Season 31 champ Charli D’Amelio.

When it comes to the Season 34 cast, potential last-minute add-ons due to a win would include Jan Ravnik and Jen Affleck, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Whitney Leavitt, and Mark Ballas.

Rylee sitting the tour out likely eliminates Scott Hoying’s chances of being cast (Image: ABC)

Other potential celebrities who could be asked who are still in the competition and whose partners are on the tour are Andy Richter, Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, Danielle Fishel, Dylan Efron and Jordan Chiles.