Sara Evans Stops "Dancing"

Country singer drops out of ABC's Dancing with the Stars for "personal reasons" after filing for divorce; she and her partner had made it into the final six

By Natalie Finn Oct 13, 2006 1:59 AMTags

All of a sudden, Dancing with the Stars doesn't have as much rhythm as it used to.

Country music star Sara Evans has bowed out of the ABC series, citing "personal reasons" for not being able to tango on.

As it turns out, Evans filed for divorce Thursday from her husband of 13 years, Craig Schelske. A statement released by the singer's publicist at her label, Sony BMG, explained that she needed "to give her family her full attention at this difficult time.

"Ms. Evans hopes her fans and TV viewers...will respect and understand her need for privacy in the face of these recent events," said rep Allen Brown.

Although she wasn't the most consistent of the bunch, frequently scoring near the bottom of the pack with the judges, the "Suds in the Bucket" singer was never in danger of going home, with her loyal fan base keeping her out of the bottom two each week.

Evans frequently talked on-camera about her hectic touring schedule, as well as the difficulties of juggling performing, having to learn a brand-new dance each week, and spending time with her three kids.

As recently as Wednesday's results show, however, the 35-year-old artist seemed in it for the long haul. In a video message posted Saturday on her Website, DancingWithSara.com, Evans was on her way to sing the national anthem at an Anaheim Ducks hockey game with her ballroom partner, Tony Dovolani, by her side.

"We just want to say thank you for all of your votes, and this week we're having a great time learning the samba," said Evans, who is up for Female Vocalist of the Year honors at the Country Music Association Awards and in June was voted the second-most beautiful woman in country music--behind only Faith Hill--by Country Weekly magazine.

"Please keep voting. We love you and we'll see you on TV Tuesday night."

Judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli enjoyed her samba, too, giving Evans props for loosening up and letting her hips do the talking.

Pop singer Willa Ford was the one to get the boot this week, putting Evans and Dovolani in the final six.

ABC told E! News that the network has no comment at this time and, wouldn't you know, you have to tune in next Tuesday to find out more info.

"It is too bad because dance has a really healing quality to it as well, and I think the family of DWTS could be a great support system for her," Inaba told Us Weekly.

"I watch them care for each other and sometimes it is good to be around people who care about you and I think that would be good for her. But she has to take care of herself and take care of her life, and I'm sure she is making a good decision for herself. We will all support her."