The Internet Is Sending Love to 'DWTS's Lindsay Arnold After Her Mother-In-Law Passed Away

From Woman's Day

As week 8 of Dancing With the Stars got underway, audiences quickly learned that Dance pro Lindsay Arnold, who is partnered up this season with former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, would be missing from the night's show. The reason, unfortunately, was a sad one.

In the days leading up to Monday night's show, Arnold's mother-in-law unexpectedly passed away. Arnold took to social media to share a message with her followers expressing her sadness as well as her appreciation for the DWTS family's support and understanding.

"I am so saddened to say that my beautiful, loving, selfless mother in law has unexpectedly passed away," Arnold wrote on Instagram. "Family is the most important thing to me and being with my husband and our family at this time is exactly where I need to be. I want to thank everyone from my @dancingabc family for being so supportive and making it possible for me to be at home with my loved ones during this time. I will not be performing tonight on the show and although I wish I could be there I know that home is where I need to be. Thank you all for your love and support. Families are forever and I know that without a doubt."

Rather than Spicer not being able to compete, dance pro Jenna Johnson, who was eliminated last week along with her partner Karamo Brown, quickly stepped up to fill in for Arnold. "If anyone’s up to the task it’s you," Spicer said to Johnson during rehearsal. "So let’s do this for Lindsay."

Johnson took to Twitter shortly before the show to send a sweet message to her friend and co-worker.

"Tonight I dedicate this dance to my best friend @lindsayarnold, who trusted me to dance with Sean this week," Johnson wrote. "Lindsay, I would do anything for you girl. Sending so much love and prayers to you and your family during this hard time."

Fans of the show also took to social media to share their sympathy with Arnold and her family during the difficult time.

Spicer and Johnson's routine, a jazz number set to "Come Sail Away," received less than stellar reviews from the judges — but that was nothing new for Spicer who has consistently been a low-scorer.

"We keep throwing you out of the boat and the viewers keep throwing a life preserver," said judge Len Goodman, who then went on to tell Spicer that "the mermaid had better feet" than he did. Judge Bruno Tonioli added to the criticisms by saying that "Dory in Finding Nemo has a better sense of direction." The duo ended up with a total score of 20 out of 30.

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