Sasha Farber's Inspiring Message to Former Partner Mary Lou Retton: Never Give Up on the Dance Floor!
Sasha Farber shows support for Mary Lou Retton, his former partner on 'Dancing With the Stars,' following her hospitalization for pneumonia
Sasha Farber and Mary Lou Retton. Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Buca, Inc.
Sasha Farber is keeping in communication with his previous Dancing With the Stars partner Mary Lou Retton amidst her recent health scare.
“I've been in conversation with her today, and she's putting up a fight," Farber, who is 39 years old, shared with Entertainment Tonight following the live broadcast of DWTS on Tuesday, October 10. "She's feeling tempted to give up, but I'm sending her videos of her dancing and motivating her, saying, 'You are unique, Mary Lou Retton. You can do this!'"
He continued by emphasizing the importance of connecting with the people you care about. He mentioned that he had spoken to her earlier in the day and described her as a resilient fighter.
Not long ago, Retton's daughter, McKenna Lane Kelley, revealed that the 55-year-old former gymnast is currently battling for her life in the hospital due to pneumonia. (Retton has four daughters, namely McKenna, Shayla, Skyla, and Emma, from her previous marriage to Shannon Kelley.)
"My incredible mother, Mary Lou, is currently battling a highly uncommon form of pneumonia, and her life hangs in the balance," McKenna shared via SpotFund. "She is reliant on medical assistance to breathe and has been in the intensive care unit for over a week now. Out of respect for her privacy, I won't divulge all the specifics, but I will mention that she lacks insurance coverage."
McKenna went on, saying, "We humbly request your prayers and, if it's within your means, any financial support towards the mounting hospital expenses. Anything, absolutely anything, would greatly aid my family and my mother during this trying time. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you."
No further updates on Retton’s condition have been shared.
Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber competed together on season 27 of Dancing with the Stars, which premiered in September 2018. Unfortunately, they were the fifth couple to be eliminated, while Sharna Burgess and radio DJ Bobby Bones went on to win the mirrorball trophy.
Retton expressed, "This has truly been the highlight of my life," during her departure from DWTS in October 2018. "For decades, I hadn't pushed myself to new limits, but now I have and it's a refreshing beginning." Retton and Farber have maintained a strong bond beyond their time together on the dance floor.
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During her recent visit to L.A., she expressed a desire to meet up, but due to my rehearsals, I was unable to do so," shared Farber, who is currently partnered with Alyson Hannigan on DWTS season 32. "Despite my inability to join her for dinner, I have a deep understanding of her. She is akin to family to me and possesses a resilient spirit."
