T-Boz Recovering After Sickle Cell Crisis Forces TLC Tour Absence

Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins of the iconic R&B group TLC is recovering after being hospitalized due to a sickle cell crisis, forcing her to step away from the group's ongoing "Its Iconic" tour. The 56-year-old singer's representative confirmed the hospitalization on September 3, 2026, stating she is "currently recovering and regaining her strength." The tour, which features co-headliners Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, will continue without her, with fellow TLC member Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas performing their set solo. The health emergency became publicly apparent during a concert on August 28 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Thomas addressed the audience, explaining that her longtime groupmate was dealing with a sickle cell episode and asking fans to "help me hold her down tonight." A subsequent statement from the group's representative, Christal Jordan, provided more detail, confirming the crisis required hospital care. "Because the Its Iconic Tour is such an interactive show, we made the decision to continue with Chilli performing and receiving incredible support from Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, and most importantly, the fans," the statement read.