“Dancing With the Stars” pro Britt Stewart posted an emotional Instagram tribute to partner Taylor Hanson on Saturday, days after the pair was unexpectedly eliminated from the competition.
“What we created together was bigger than how many weeks we were given to create it,” Stewart wrote in the post, which included photos and videos from rehearsals, the show, and other moments the two shared.
“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, said Hanson, 43, reminded her why she “love[s] to create and connect.” She called their time together on Season 35 one of those experiences she knows “will impact you in big ways.”
Stewart, who in 2020 became the show’s first Black female pro, also thanked fans for their support since the elimination.
“From my heart, THANK YOU for the love, support and messages over the past few days. I feel it all and it means more than you know ❤️ #dwts #TeamBRITTAY.”
Stewart and Hanson were eliminated Tuesday alongside two other at-risk couples: “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez with partner Witney Carson, and Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson with partner Emma Slater. The result surprised many viewers because Stewart and Hanson weren’t the lowest-scoring pair of the night — their foxtrot had earned an 18 out of 30.
The elimination moment drew attention in part because of Stewart’s visible reaction, repeatedly telling Hanson she was “really sorry” as the news sank in.
In his final interview with co-host Julianne Hough, Hanson reflected on working with Stewart. “This has been everything,” he said. “This has been incredible. She’s shown me things I didn’t think were possible and I’m so grateful for this time. Amazing.”
A tearful Stewart responded, “Taylor, I am so grateful that I have you in my life. Thank you so much for everything. Thank you.”
Fellow pro Ezra Sosa reacted to a TikTok clip of the elimination, commenting, “I’m so pissed.”
Two days earlier, the pair had appeared on the official “DWTS” podcast to discuss their season. Hanson became emotional describing 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. She has done what I’ve done, in a lot of ways, with dance for most her life. She’s thrown her heart at it, and that’s the thing most people avoid.”
