Selma Blair Receives a Standing Ovation After Powerful 'Dancing With the Stars' Exit

• Celebrities and fans alike are rallying around Selma Blair after the actress posted an emotional farewell on Instagram after her final Dancing With the Stars performance this week.

• Friends like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon are chiming in with touching messages of support for the 5o-year-old actress, who is opening up about current health issues stemming from multiple sclerosis.

• DWTS costars like Derek Hough and Shangela also shared how Selma has impacted them: "Thank [you] for inviting me into your world and sharing yourself with us all. Inspiration."

It's safe to say Dancing With the Stars fans, as well as most of Hollywood's elite and entertainment industry at large, are in total awe of Selma Blair's astounding final performance on the program earlier this week. The 50-year-old Legally Blonde actress shocked viewers with a heartbreaking announcement that she wouldn't be able to continue due to mounting health concerns related to her multiple sclerosis (MS).

"I had MRIs, and the results came back, and it all adds up to, I can't go on with the competition," Selma, who first revealed her diagnosis in 2018, shared with 'DWTS' partner Sasha Farber during the episode. "I've pushed as far as I could. With a chronic illness, you do have special considerations, and my body has taken a hit. It's way too much for the safety of my bones."

Viewers watched as Selma and Sasha took to the stage one final time, showcasing a special Waltz routine as "one last gentle dance," Selma later quipped. "This is a dance for everyone that has tried and hoped they could do more, but also; the power in realizing it's time to walk away," she explained during the DWTS airing. Not surprisingly, the duo received a standing ovation from the crowd and the judges.

And now Selma is sharing more about her empowering decision to leave DWTS in the hopes of stabilizing her health, despite six weeks of performances she has said have "strengthened" her spirit. Selma took to Instagram to share what she's taken away from the experience.

"What this show has given me is beyond measure in spirit life. What my partner [Sasha] has gifted me, a sense of self in my body, will be forever felt," she shared. "What an evening to remember. I will perfect this waltz Sasha so thoughtfully gave me. And I will dance it with wisdom and ease, and great serenity, when my knee and hip heal. And I will remember these steps under a full moon of memory, with love."

Expectedly, Selma is receiving an outpouring of love and support from those closest to her in response to her raw, emotional DWTS departure. Cruel Intentions co-star and friend Sarah Michelle Gellar penned a touching tribute to Selma shortly after her stirring performance: "You make the rest of us believe that we can do anything," Sarah wrote. "That we can never give up."

Reese Witherspoon professed her love for her friend by being one of the first to respond directly to Selma's Instagram: "You are amazing! ✨ I love you." Similar messages of support followed from DWTS icon Derek Hough, journalist Katie Couric, actress Leslie Bibb, E!'s Brie Bella, and The Talk host Amanda Kloots, among others.

DWTS contestant and co-star Shangela also shared how Selma's inspiring actions have impacted the entire cast. "Thank [you] for inviting me into your world and sharing yourself with us all. Inspiration. I'll be dancing with [you] in my heart [tonight]."

And she quipped right back: "You inspire me daily. Strongest person. And so damn glam… You changed me. Your spirit. Bigger than your lashes!"

Plus, hundreds of others have chimed in on Selma's graceful goodbye message to share how her DWTS journey touched them.

"So often us disabled folks are told to sacrifice our body and health at all costs. Thank you for modeling the importance of putting our health first," one viewer commented.

"You are an inspiration. As someone who has been recently diagnosed with MS, you give hope and belief that I will live life to the maximum," another shared.

An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, multiple sclerosis often impacts movement across other parts of the body as it impacts cognitive functions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There isn't a known cause, but Selma has been outspoken about her MS struggles to bring awareness to the issue — including the release of her new documentary, Introducing Selma Blair.

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