DWTS Star on Why She Missed the Cast Announcement

Opera singer Katherine Jenkins released a statement explaining her absence during Good Morning America's announcement of the new Dancing with the Stars cast of which she is a member.

Dancing with the Stars Cast Revealed

"I would have loved to have been at the announcement but as a supporter of military men and women around the world, it was very important to me that I keep my word and be in Afghanistan to entertain the troops," Katherine explained. "However, due to technical problems with the plane, I was unable to make it there this time ... but this will not stop me from going again in the future!"

Katherine tweeted her disappointment concerning her dashed travel plans, writing, "Sadly we tried again (to get to Afghanistan) but it's not going to happen. So sorry not to make it out to you but we really REALLY tried!"

It was during this morning's announcement that the contestants discovered which pro dancers they would be paired with and Katherine admitted that she's "thrilled" to be grouped with Mark Ballas.

"I cannot wait to take part in a programme I have long admired," Katherine gushed.

Dancing with the Stars will kick-off its fourteenth season with a two-hour series premiere on Monday, March 19.

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