Photo: David Livingston/FilmMagic; Frazer Harrison/Getty
Cheryl Burkeshared her admiration forSelma Blairafter the actress stepped away fromDancing with the Stars.
“There are many people we meet in our lives but few make a lasting impression on our minds and hearts,” Burke wrote on her Instagram story Monday. “@selmablair you are one of those people. I love you and thank you for continuing to inspire me and many. You are a true angel.”
During Monday’s episode, Blair, 50, who wasdiagnosed with multiple sclerosisin 2018, announced she’d beunable to continue in the competitiondue to her doctor’s orders. “You know I’ve been monitored and in touch with my doctors this whole process,” Blair told her partnerSasha Farberin a pre-recorded segment of the show.
“I had these MRIs and when the results came back, it just all adds up to I can’t. I can’t. I can’t go on with the competition. I pushed as far as I could.”
She added, “With a chronic illness, you do have special considerations and my body is definitely taking a hit,” Blair said. “It’s way too much for the safety of my bones. There’s just intensive bone trauma and inflammation among rips and tears so I could do extensive damage that of course, I do not want.”
cheryl burke/instagram
Blair stepped out to perform one last dance on the series. Her final number was a Waltz to Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now.” Judges gave Blair a perfect score of 40/40 for her final dance.
For more on Selma Blair, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.
Burke wasn’t the only pro dancer to share well wishes and gratitude to Blair upon her departure. Blair’s Instagram story was full of reposts from herDWTSfriends. ProWitney Carsonshared a special note to Blair that read, “There aren’t words to tell you how special you are. I love you so much!”
Dixie D’Amelio— whose mother and sister,HeidiandCharli D’Amelioare competing — also penned a tribute to Blair: “You are amazing @selmablair. PERFECT SCORE. Such an inspiration.”
Even judgeCarrie Ann Inabachimed in. “Bravo for your courage to join the show,” she wrote. “And bravo for the wisdom to know it was time to stop and keep yourself safe. I have so much love and respect for you.”
ABC/Eric McCandless
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Dancing with the Starscontinues Tuesday at 8 p.m. E.T. on Disney+.
source: people.com