Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, a member of the Grammy-winning group TLC, has been hospitalized due to a sickle cell crisis, forcing her to miss recent performances on the “It’s Iconic” tour. Her bandmate Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas has been performing solo and addressing the audience about Watkins' absence.
During a recent show, Thomas informed the crowd, “I want to ask each and every one of you to help me hold her down tonight. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding. This is T-Boz.”
Watkins' representative confirmed her hospitalization to USA Today, stating, “Tionne recently experienced a sickle cell crisis that required hospitalization, and she is currently recovering and regaining her strength.” The representative added that the decision was made to continue with the tour featuring Chilli performing, with support from fellow artists Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, as well as the audience.
“The love shown for T-Boz has been overwhelming. Hearing audiences sing her parts, lift her up in prayer and surround TLC with so much love has meant more than we can express,” the statement read. “Sickle cell is a serious illness, so we ask everyone to please keep the prayers coming as Tionne continues to recover. We are immensely grateful for the love and support.”
This is not the first health-related interruption for Watkins this year. In August 2026, TLC had to cancel shows in Syracuse, New York, and at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut due to a medical emergency. At the time, a statement posted to the group's Instagram account indicated Watkins experienced “sudden and severe nausea, vomiting and intense abdominal pain” after arriving in Syracuse. Doctors diagnosed her with a “severe abdominal blockage” and advised her to remain hospitalized.
Following that incident, Watkins addressed online speculation that her health scare was linked to Ozempic. In a video posted to Instagram, she refuted the claims, stating, “Everybody and celeb ain’t on Ozempic. The ignorance is disheartening to me…” Watkins clarified that the blockage was caused by scar tissue on her outer intestine from a surgery performed 24 years prior.
Watkins, who is known for her distinctive vocals in TLC hits like “No Scrubs,” has publicly managed sickle cell disease for years. The condition affects red blood cells, causing them to become misshapen, which can lead to pain, organ damage, and other serious health complications.