Jodeci’s Mr. Dalvin is asking fans to keep his longtime friend T-Boz in their prayers as the TLC singer’s known health issues return.
One-fourth of the legendary R&B group, whose real name is Dalvin DeGrate, shared an emotional message Tuesday for Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. The TLC star recently missed a performance after experiencing a sickle cell flare-up.
“I’m asking you, everybody, under the sound of my voice, to ask God to touch her and heal her, that she may have a speedy recovery,” DeGrate said in an Instagram video.
He also asked for strength and peace for Watkins. Most importantly, he wants her to return to doing what she loves.
“We all love you and we all appreciate you,” DeGrate said directly to Watkins.
His message came days after Watkins missed TLC’s Aug. 27 concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in New York. Bandmate Chilli performed without her.
Chilli told concertgoers that Watkins was dealing with a sickle cell flare-up. Some of Watkins’ vocals were reportedly played through prerecorded tracks during the performance.
Watkins has lived with sickle cell disease since childhood. The inherited condition can cause red blood cells to become rigid and obstruct blood flow.
Jodeci’s Mr. Dalvin Asks Fans To Pray For TLC’s T-Boz As She Battles Continued Sickle Cell Condition
Those blockages can reduce oxygen delivery and trigger severe pain. Sickle cell crises can last for hours or days and sometimes require hospitalization.
Watkins has openly discussed her diagnosis throughout her career. She has also faced other significant health challenges.
In 2024, Watkins was hospitalized with an abdominal blockage caused by scar tissue from an earlier surgery. She later emphasized that condition was unrelated to sickle cell disease.
Watkins has continued performing with TLC for more than three decades. The group has sold more than 65 million records and won four Grammy Awards.
DeGrate and Watkins have known each other since the 1990s. TLC and Jodeci became two of R&B’s most influential groups during that era.
Their friendship has endured through the years. The pair have also collaborated and teased future music together.
Neither Watkins nor TLC has publicly detailed her current condition. There has been no confirmation of hospitalization or her next performance.
For now, DeGrate’s message offers a simple request from a friend: Keep T-Boz in your thoughts and prayers.
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