Dancing With the Stars pro Cheryl Burke has proven that she can bring it in the ballroom. Cheryl joined the cast during Season 2 and won the ridiculously shiny mirror ball trophy twice– first with partner Drew Lachey and again with Emmitt Smith.
Season 30 of DWTS was challenging for Cheryl and her partner, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby. The couple both battled Covid-19 and trained over Zoom while quarantining. The duo finished in third place for the season.
Cheryl also struggled with her sobriety. In September of 2020, Cheryl said that she had been sober for two years. “My father passed away — and then my dad was an alcoholic — so either I was gonna crash and burn and check myself into rehab or I was gonna just quit cold turkey,” the dancer remarked.
Cheryl started dating actor Matthew Lawrence after the couple met on DWTS. Matthew’s brother, Joey Lawrence, was a contestant on the show. After dating for one year, Cheryl and Matthew split up. The duo reunited in 2017 and rekindled their relationship.
Cheryl and Matthew were married on May 23, 2019 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego. Actress Leah Remini, who was also a contestant on DWTS, was Cheryl’s matron of honor, and fellow dance pro Kym Johnson Herjavec was in the bridal party. Matthew’s brothers, Joey and Andy Lawrence served as his best men.
Sadly, the couple has taken their last spin around the dance floor as a married couple. According to E! News, Cheryl filed for divorce on February 18, 2022. The filing was submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Cheryl listed January 7, 2022, as the date of separation and made a request for the court to uphold a prenuptial agreement dated May 20, 2019 and terminate the ability to award spousal support. Cheryl listed “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the couple’s split.
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On February 24, 2022, Cheryl took to her Instagram to post a statement about her marriage ending. Cheryl wrote, “I know I have always said that I’m an open book with you guys, I do strive to be, and in writing this I’ve realized there isn’t really an easy way to announce that my marriage is ending.” The dance pro said, “I hope you can understand that I will not be commenting any further at this time and am asking for understanding and privacy.”
Cheryl showed appreciation for all the support that she has received. “Thank you all for all the kind words & support you’ve given me – love you all. xx Cheryl.”
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Members of the DWTS family sent their love in the comments. Cody, Cheryl’s Season 30 partner wrote, “Love you babe.” Fellow dance pro Gleb Savchenko posted heart emojis, while Sharna Burgess wrote, “Love you Cheryl.” DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba commented, “choosing what you need to do for you needs no explanation to anyone. You know you. I’m proud of you for being brave…. I love you,” Carrie Ann wrote. “And support you and you are not alone my friend. hugs!!
If there is such a thing as a silver lining, it may be that Cheryl no longer has to reside with Matthew’s 40-50 reptiles. She much preferred her sweet Frenchie pup to her cold-blooded roomies.
TELL US- DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR CHERYL DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME?
[Photo Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless]
