"Dancing with the Stars" will open its 20th season this March 16, but it will do so without Karina Smirnoff. The professional dancer revealed via Instagram that she is leaving the show to focus on other ventures, particularly her writing career.
Her post reads: "Many of you have been asking if I will be back for season 20 of 'DWTS' and I wanted all of my incredible family to hear it directly from me. After a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to focus my energies on some other exciting endeavors including adding author to my resume."
Recently, she launched her new book, "We're Just Not That Into You: Dating Disasters from the Trenches."
She then continued, "I have absolutely loved dancing for all of you for all these years and feel blessed to have been given a platform to put my passion for dance, choreography and creativity on display. 'DWTS' has been a huge part of my life for the last 10 years and I will always have a special place in my heart for it."
Smirnoff's decision ends her 16-season run on the show. She began in season 3 when she was paired with celebrity Mario Lopez. She eventually took home the winning trophy in season 12 when she was paired with J.R. Martinez. Her last appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" was with UFC fighter and action-star Randy Couture, but they were eliminated on the third week.
Smirnoff is not the only show regular leaving. According to E! Online, Cheryl Burke is also stepping away from the show to appear in a new series on NBC.
"I never thought I'd be able to walk away," she said in an interview. "But after a decade of something, it's time for me to move on and try something different, to be challenged, to feel inspired."
"Dancing with the Stars" season 20 will air Mondays on ABC.
