Britt Stewart shared a heartfelt tribute to Taylor Hanson following their shocking “Dancing With the Stars” elimination Tuesday.
The professional dancer took to Instagram Saturday to reflect on her time with the “MMMBop” singer being unexpectedly cut short earlier this week, writing, “What we created together was bigger than how many weeks we were given to create it.”
“Taylor, thank you for showing up fully and authentically. Thank you for trusting me,” she added. “I will forever be proud of our partnership and our DWTS journey together.”
Stewart, 37, credited Hanson, 43, for reminding her why she “love[s] to create and connect” in the post, which featured several photos and videos from rehearsal, the show and other candid times.
“There are times in your life that you know will impact you in big ways,” she continued, noting that having the musician as her partner on “DWTS” Season 35 “is an will be one of those times.”
Stewart — who joined “DWTS” as the show’s first black female pro in 2020 — also expressed how “grateful” she was to Hanson and their supporters.
“From my heart, THANK YOU for the love, support and messages over the past few days,” she concluded. “I feel it all and it means more than you know ❤️ #dwts #TeamBRITTAY.”
Following Stewart and Hanson’s dramatic departure — which saw them in danger alongside “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” star Guillermo Rodriguez (with partner Witney Carson) and Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson (with partner Emma Slater) — fans and even fellow pros expressed their dismay.
The moment stunned many “DWTS” viewers because they weren’t the lowest-scoring duo — earning an 18/30 for their foxtrot — and stayed with fans due to the look on Stewart’s face as she reacted to the news while telling Hanson she was “really sorry” over and over.
“This has been everything,” Hanson said of his experience working with Stewart during his final interview with co-host Julianne Hough. “This has been incredible. She’s shown me things I didn’t think were possible and I’m so grateful for this time. Amazing.”
Stewart, becoming tearful, added, “Taylor, I am so grateful that I have you in my life. Thank you so much for everything. Thank you.”
Fellow “DWTS” pro Ezra Sosa reacted to a TikTok of the moment, commenting, “I’m so pissed.”
The duo appeared on the official “DWTS” podcast Thursday to reflect on their Season 35 journey, with Hanson breaking down in tears as he discussed the “intimacy” of his partnership with Stewart.
“Everybody’s so talented on the show. It’s insane. It’s crazy how talented these pros are, but I saw Britt and — I’m getting emotional now,” he said.
“She has done what I’ve done, in a lot of ways, with dance for most her life,” Hanson continued. “She’s thrown her heart at it, and that’s the thing most people avoid.”
