The legendary R&B group TLC was forced to abruptly cancel two shows over the weekend due to one of the members, T-Boz, falling ill.
TLC had just delivered an electrifying performance in Toledo, Ohio on August 22, 2024. They were looking forward to their next stop at the New York State Fair in Syracuse and Foxwood but T-Boz, whose real name is Tionne Watkins, fell ill.
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC performs onstage during the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
According to a press release TLC issued on Instagram, T-Boz, “experienced sudden and severe nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal cramps. She was immediately seen by a doctor and subsequently taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”
Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC speak onstage during the TLC 30th Anniversary Celebration of “CrazySexyCool” in Stockbridge, Georgia, on June 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Upon evaluation, doctors found out that the 54-year-old had severe abdominal blockage. She remained under medical observation overnight but was expected to be discharged the following morning.
TLC shared that the cancellation decision came after T-Boz’s doctor recommended she remain in the hospital overnight for a CT scan to evaluate the seriousness of her condition.
“Tionne deeply regrets having to cancel these shows and extends her sincere apologies to all her fans and the event promoters,” the statement read.
TLC emphasized their commitment to rescheduling the canceled shows and extended their apologies to all the fans, especially those who traveled far to attend. No rescheduled dates have been announced at this time.
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC perform onstage during the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
However, fans are only concerned about T-Boz’s well-being, wish her a quick recovery, and send all their love to her.
One fan expressed their support by commenting, “There is no need to make up for anything when you should try to take care of you and your health first! Sending recovery coming your way 💜”
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins arrives at T-Boz Unplugged at Avalon in Hollywood, California, on September 27, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Another fan added, “Tboz don’t have to explain nothing to us cause one thing she will do is get on stage sick and all to perform for the fans. Take all the time she need to heal and be healthy as possible[sic].” A third fan shared their heartfelt wishes, saying, “Praying for u everyday 🙏🏾❤️”
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC performs during their ”Celebration of Crazy Sexy Cool” tour in Miami, Florida, on September 27, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Another devoted follower offered words of comfort, stating, “Sis Praying and knowing that God has you. You don’t need to apologize to anyone. You have the sweetest heart and everyone who knows you knows your heart 💯💝 and that you would be there if you could. Love you babe get well ❤️🩹”
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC performs on the West Holts stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival in Glastonbury, England, on June 24, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
On May 14, 2024, TLC had also announced the cancellation of several upcoming shows, due to illness among the tour members, including T-Boz. T-Boz had been diagnosed with the flu, resulting in the loss of her voice. Doctors advised her to refrain from performing that week.
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC perform on stage during Summer Night Concerts in Vancouver, Canada, on September 2, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The canceled shows included performances at Avenir Centre in Moncton and Caesars Windsor in Ontario. Others were Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls and Peterborough Memorial Centre, with the former rescheduled for October 3, 2024.
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas from TLC, pose for their upcoming summer tour with Flo Rida and Nelly in Los Angeles, California, on May 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
TLC expressed their deep regret for the inconvenience caused and thanked their fans for their continued support. They were also looking forward to rescheduling the performances and seeing their fans soon.
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC performs onstage at the GRAMMY Celebration during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Award in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
In 2017, T-Boz shared her personal journey with sickle cell disease and its impact on her career as a member of the TLC. This is a condition impacting nearly 100,000 Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.
In her memoir, “A Sick Life: TLC ‘n Me: Stories from On and Off the Stage,” she detailed the challenges she faced. She also narrated how she managed to rise above them while living with the condition.
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins speaks onstage at A Conversation with “T-Boz” of TLC in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 9, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
T-Boz spoke out, “The title means so much for me. It’s a strong word, ‘a sick life,’ ’cause I’ve had it all. I was told I would never live past 30; I would be disabled my whole life and never have kids.” Despite this prediction, the singer triumphed, traveling the world with TLC and collaborating with Michael Jackson.
In the 1990s, T-Boz, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas dominated the music charts. They established themselves as the second-highest-selling girl group in the US, as recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Their distinct blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, combined with impactful lyrics, deeply connected with listeners. All these successes did not come easy.
Performing and touring while managing sickle cell disease, posed significant challenges for T-Boz. Her demanding schedule often led to extended hospital stays for recovery.
The singer explained, “The easiest way to describe it is oxygen isn’t getting to our vital organs. So, if it’s your legs, you can’t walk. Your arms, you can’t even hold a pencil and write … I went through so much.”
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins is seen in Los Angeles, California, on October 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
T-Boz faced additional hardship in 2002 with the devastating loss of their partner Left Eye, who tragically died in a car accident in Honduras.
This period was particularly challenging for T-Boz, who had just recovered from a hospital stay and found herself frail and struggling with her health once more.
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of TLC at the 1999 Kid’s Choice Awards, on May 1, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
After a 15-year break, T-Boz and Chilli reunited, honoring Left Eye’s memory through their music. “We keep her spirit alive throughout us and our music. And you feel her presence onstage. And nobody’s gonna fill that void. She’s up there rocking, and we’re dancing with her,” shared T-Boz.
T-Boz and Chilli went on to release their fifth and final studio album in June 2016. T-Boz also worked on her debut solo project.
T-Boz has expressed a desire to be remembered for the positive impact the group made. She emphasized that they have made immense contributions through meaningful lyrics and the joy they brought to others.
