Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson confirm they will not compete in Dancing with the Stars 32
As Dancing with the Stars season 32 approaches, fans are eager to learn which professional dancers will return. While the full roster has yet to be announced, two longtime favorites—Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson—have confirmed via social media that they will sit out this season. Both announced their decisions in heartfelt videos, emphasizing family priorities and logistical challenges as the main reasons for taking a temporary break from the show.
“This season is not gonna work out for me and my family,” says Lindsay
Lindsay Arnold addressed fans in a candid TikTok update, explaining that when she stepped back last season it wasn’t intended as a permanent retirement from DWTS. She said she and her family seriously considered whether returning was feasible, but ultimately decided it wouldn’t be the right fit at this time. The primary issue, she explained, is logistics: Lindsay lives in Utah with her husband Sam Cusick and their two daughters, while Dancing with the Stars films in Los Angeles. Separating the family for extended periods, especially with very young children, felt like the wrong choice for her right now.
Lindsay emphasized how quickly this stage of her daughters’ lives is passing and how important it is for her to be present. She described the decision as difficult, but guided by a desire to prioritize family stability and to cherish daily moments with her children. Although she’s stepping away this season, she expressed gratitude for her 11-year tenure on the show and made clear she’s not closing the door on future participation as a DWTS professional.
Fans have already begun guessing about possible connections between Lindsay and season 32. Speculation centers on Lindsay’s younger sister, Rylee Arnold—previously seen with DWTS Juniors—potentially joining the troupe. Lindsay hinted she might still have “some fun connections” to the upcoming season, leaving the door open for involvement behind the scenes or in a different capacity.
Witney lives in Florida with her husband and family
Witney Carson also announced on TikTok that she will not be competing on Dancing with the Stars this season. Like Lindsay, Witney framed her choice around family needs and thoughtful deliberation. She described the decision as one they prayed over and considered carefully, and ultimately said she felt at peace choosing to sit this season out.
Witney and her husband Carson McAllister relocated to Florida earlier this year with their son Leo, now two, and more recently welcomed a second son, Jet, who is three months old. Carson emphasized the importance of providing their children—particularly Leo—with consistency and routine, explaining that uprooting the family to relocate across the country for the duration of a television season was not the right move at this time. Their priority is ensuring stability and dependable caregiving during these formative years.
Both dancers hope to return to the show
Both Lindsay and Witney made it clear that this is a pause rather than a permanent departure. Witney called dance her passion and said stepping away was a painful but necessary choice. She pledged to cheer on the cast and crew from home, hopeful that this break will not be goodbye forever. Lindsay similarly reaffirmed her long-term affection for Dancing with the Stars and left open the possibility of returning when family circumstances allow.
Both pros leave behind impressive DWTS legacies: Lindsay won the Mirrorball Trophy in season 25 with Jordan Fisher and spent more than a decade as a fan-favorite professional on the show. Witney, an alum of So You Think You Can Dance, earned a Mirrorball Trophy with Alfonso Ribeiro in 2014 and most recently placed third with Wayne Brady. Their absences will be felt by viewers, but both performers emphasized that family comes first and that they remain committed to dance and to their fans.
As producers finalize the season 32 lineup, DWTS viewers can expect a mix of returning and new pros. For now, Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson will focus on their families, offering support from the sidelines while leaving open the possibility of future returns to the ballroom.