As TLC‘s Chilli forges ahead as the group’s sole performer on the ongoing ‘It’s Iconic Tour‘ with En Vogue and Salt-N-Pepa, fans have begun expressing worry and demanding answers about the well-being of frontwoman T-Boz amid reports she recently suffered a medical emergency.
With no conclusive updates delivered since the 56-year-old (born Tionne Watkins) abruptly departed the jaunt, speculation about her health status went into overdrive when her former boyfriend Dalvin DeGrate (of the popular 90’s R&B quartet Jodeci) took to social media calling for prayers for her.
The overwhelming reactions sparked by his request prompted a rep for Watkins to issue an official statement on the R&B singer’s behalf to ease fans’ concerns.
🙏🏽 Jodeci singer Dalvin DeGrate is asking fans to keep TLC’s T-Boz in their prayers amid concerns about her health.
He shared an emotional message asking supporters to pray and “Ask God to touch her & heal her.”@mr.dalvin on Instagram pic.twitter.com/idN83wEpts— Just N Life (@TheJustNLife) September 3, 2026
Christal Jordan, a rep for TLC, issued a statement to the press on Wednesday (September 2) confirming Watkins was hospitalized but is recovering.
“Tionne recently experienced a sickle cell crisis that required hospitalization, and she is currently recovering and regaining her strength,” the statement said to ‘USA TODAY.’ “Because the ‘It’s 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.”
Jordan also acknowledged the outpouring of well-wishes from concerned fans of the group.
“The love shown for T-Boz has been overwhelming. Hearing audiences sing her parts, lift her up in prayer, and surround TLC with so much love has meant more than we can express. Sickle cell is a serious illness, so we ask everyone to please keep the prayers coming as Tionne continues to recover. We are immensely grateful for the love and support,” Christal said.
At writing, it’s not been made clear if or when T-Boz intends to return to the ‘It’s Iconic Tour‘ before its slated wrap date of October 11.
