T-Boz Watkins is recovering at home after a sickle cell crisis forced her off the road during TLC's It's Iconic tour. The group confirmed the news in a statement posted to X on Thursday, September 3.
According to Billboard, TLC's statement read: "We want to thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, love, and concern for Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins. As many people know, Tionne has lived with sickle cell disease throughout her life. When she experiences a sickle cell crisis, the recovery period can vary and may take days or weeks."
The statement did not say how many shows Watkins, 56, has missed. It did confirm she is "improving each day" and that her condition is not considered life-threatening. The Cleveland Clinic describes sickle cell crisis as a "common, painful" complication that occurs when sickled cells block a blood vessel and prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching tissues and organs. The blockage can cause painful symptoms that may require brief hospitalization.
Watkins was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia as a child.
Fellow TLC member Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas addressed the situation directly from the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut on August 28. In a fan-shot video from that show, Thomas said: "Obviously my sister is not here right now. She has sickle cell. I think most of you know all the stuff that goes on with TLC, but when she has, you know, an episode — which is what's happening right now … But she's so much better, and I want to ask each and every one of you to help me hold her down tonight. So, thank you in advance for your support and understanding."
A group spokesperson told USA Today that T-Boz was recently hospitalized and is recovering and "regaining her strength." The spokesperson added that because the tour is "such an interactive show, we made the decision to continue, with Chilli performing and receiving incredible support from Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, and most importantly, the fans."
The It's Iconic tour features TLC alongside Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue. Thomas will continue performing on remaining dates until Watkins is medically cleared to return. The group's statement said: "Her health and recovery remain our highest priority. Tionne looks forward to returning to the tour when she is fully recovered and medically cleared to perform."
TLC also used the statement to note that September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The group asked fans to learn more about the disease or give blood if able.
The third original TLC member, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, died in a car crash in April 2002.
The tour's next stop is Tuesday, September 8, at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago.
