TLC star Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins is recovering after a sickle cell crisis required hospitalization and forced the singer to step away from several stops on the group’s ongoing It’s Iconic Tour.

Watkins, 56, has been absent from TLC’s recent performances while longtime bandmate Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas has continued taking the stage without her. Representatives for Watkins confirmed that she was hospitalized following the medical episode and is now focused on recovering and rebuilding her strength.

“Tionne recently experienced a sickle cell crisis that required hospitalization, and she is currently recovering and regaining her strength,” TLC representative Christal Jordan said in a statement.

Her team has emphasized that Watkins’ condition is not considered life-threatening and that she continues to improve. However, because recovery from a sickle cell crisis can vary significantly, no date has been announced for her return to the tour.

Chilli Continues TLC Shows Without T-Boz

Fans first began noticing Watkins’ absence when TLC performed at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut on Aug. 28.

During the show, Chilli addressed the situation directly from the stage, explaining that her longtime groupmate was dealing with a sickle cell episode and asking the audience to help support her as she performed TLC’s portion of the concert without T-Boz.

“As you guys know, my sister T-Boz has sickle cell,” Chilli told the audience, adding that flare-ups can happen and telling fans she was going to “hold it down” for her groupmate.

Chilli subsequently continued performing TLC’s catalog during additional dates as Watkins recovered. The It’s Iconic Tour, which also features Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, has continued rather than canceling TLC’s appearances.

Watkins’ representatives said audiences have shown considerable support, including singing her portions of songs during performances and sending prayers and messages while she remains away from the stage.

As recently as Sept. 12, Watkins remained absent when the tour reached PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey. Chilli again addressed her condition during the show, telling fans that Watkins was recovering and “doing really well.”

No Timetable for T-Boz’s Return

TLC’s management has made clear that Watkins will not return simply to keep up with the tour schedule.

“When she experiences a sickle cell crisis, the recovery period can vary and may take days or weeks,” the group said in a Sept. 3 statement. TLC added that Watkins’ health and recovery remained its “highest priority” and that she would return only after she had fully recovered and received medical clearance to perform.

That leaves Chilli carrying TLC’s live performances for the time being, with no firm timetable for when the duo will be reunited onstage.

T-Boz Has Lived With Sickle Cell Disease Since Childhood

Watkins was diagnosed with sickle cell disease as a child and has spoken publicly for decades about living and performing with the condition.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells can become rigid and sickle-shaped. During a sickle cell crisis, those cells can obstruct blood flow, potentially producing severe pain and other complications that sometimes require hospitalization.

Watkins has previously discussed enduring repeated hospital stays and periods when complications made performing or traveling impossible.

Her current hospitalization should also not be confused with a separate health emergency in 2024. Watkins was hospitalized that year because of a severe abdominal blockage caused by scar tissue from a previous surgery, and she specifically pushed back at the time against reports incorrectly attributing that hospitalization to sickle cell disease.

This time, her representatives have directly confirmed that a sickle cell crisis was responsible.

For now, TLC’s tour is continuing while Watkins focuses on her recovery, with Chilli and the group's touring partners keeping the shows moving until T-Boz is medically cleared to return.