HEALTHTLC’s Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins Hospitalized as She's Forced to Drop Out of Several Shows After Medical Emergency
Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins was born with sickle cell anemia.
Sept. 3 2026, Updated 2:06 p.m. ET
TLC's Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins was forced to drop out of several upcoming shows after a medical emergency landed her in the hospital.
The "Waterfalls" singer, 56, is currently on tour with fellow TLC member Rozonda "Chili" Thomas as part of the "It's Iconis" tour, which also features Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.
TLC's Rozonda 'Chili' Thomas Addressed Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins' Absense
TLC was established in 1990.
Thomas, 55, who has been performing TLC's hits solo in her absence, addressed her bandmate's health during a recent show at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville on August 28.
"I want to ask each and every one of you to help me hold her down tonight," she said as she became visibly emotional, according to a TikTok video captured by a fan. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding. This is T-Boz.”
Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins Rep Confirmed Her Hospitalization
Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins has battled sickle cell anemia since her birth.
Watkin's rep, Christal Jordan, addressed the singer's health in a statement obtained by USA TODAY on Wednesday, September 2, confirming the singer was hospitalized but was now on the mend.
"Tionne recently experienced a sickle cell crisis that required hospitalization, and she is currently recovering and regaining her strength," the statement said. "Because the It’s Iconic 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."
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Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins 'Continues to Recover’
Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins is 'currently recovering and regaining her strength,' according to her rep.
The message continued, "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. 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."
Watkins has battled sickle cell anemia since birth, a genetic disorder that affects the function of red blood cells to deliver oxygen to other parts of the body.
Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins Was Told She Would 'Never Live Past 30'
The mother-of-two was told that she would never have children.
The musician has spoken candidly about her battle with the disease, revealing that she was told at age seven that she would "never live past 30."
"I went through so much," she told Robin Roberts during a 2017 appearance on Good Morning America. "I would be disabled my whole life and never have kids, but I traveled the world in TLC."
