‘Stand in the Gap for Her’: Jodeci’s Mr Dalvin Urges Fans to Pray as TLC’s T-Boz Suffers Sickle Cell Crisis

LOS ANGELES — Jodeci singer Dalvin DeGrate, known professionally as Mr Dalvin, has issued an emotional public appeal urging music fans to pray for TLC star Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins following her recent hospitalisation due to a severe sickle cell anaemia flare-up.

The 56-year-old R&B legend was forced to step away from TLC’s ongoing It’s Iconic Tour late last month after experiencing a painful health crisis. Her bandmate, Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, has been carrying on with scheduled performances solo, receiving vocal support from co-headliners Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, DeGrate who dated Watkins during the 1990s peak of their respective groups’ international success, shared a heartfelt video asking the global music community to rally behind his longtime friend.

‘Ask God to Touch and Heal Her’

Addressing his followers directly, the 55-year-old Jodeci artist spoke candidly about Watkins' health challenges, asking fans of all genres to keep her in their thoughts.

"I just want to ask everybody to take a second and pray for our dear friend T-Boz," DeGrate said in the Instagram video. "She felt a little ill, and you know we know that she has crises sometimes, but I really want everybody to just take a moment and stand in the gap for her, let her know that she's appreciated."

He continued: "I'm asking everybody under the sound of my voice to ask God to touch her and heal her, that she may have a speedy recovery... so that she can return and do what she loves to do and be at peace and good health. We all love you, and we all appreciate you."

The emotional message prompted a wave of support across the music industry, with fellow R&B figures including Ginuwine, Nivea, and Nicci Gilbert offering messages of solidarity online.

Official Confirmation of Hospitalization

Addressing growing fan concern following Watkins’ absence from concert dates in New York and Massachusetts, a representative for TLC issued a statement confirming that the singer had been admitted to hospital.

Christal Jordan, spokesperson for the group, confirmed that Watkins experienced a acute sickle cell crisis—an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to contort into a sickle shape, blocking blood flow and triggering excruciating pain.

"Tionne recently experienced a sickle cell crisis that required hospitalization, and she is currently recovering and regaining her strength," Jordan told reporters. "The love shown for T-Boz has been overwhelming. Hearing audiences sing her parts, lift her up in prayer, and surround TLC with so much love has meant more than we can express. Sickle cell is a serious illness, so we ask everyone to please keep the prayers coming."

Despite the setback, the tour has pressed forward with Chilli performing the lead parts live alongside crowd sing-alongs, ensuring the shows continue while Watkins recovers.

Artist Profile — Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins

A Decades-Long Battle With Chronic Illness

Watkins has been exceptionally vocal about her lifelong struggle with sickle cell anemia throughout her three-decade career in entertainment.

Diagnosed at the age of seven, doctors originally told her family that she was unlikely to survive past the age of 30, use her limbs normally, or have children. She defied medical expectations by becoming a four-time Grammy Award winner, touring the globe with TLC, and becoming a mother.

In addition to her sickle cell diagnosis, Watkins has overcome severe health obstacles over the years, including a benign brain tumor requiring complex surgery in 2006 and a severe abdominal blockage in 2024.

While representatives have not specified a exact date for her return to the stage, fans and fellow musicians continue to send well-wishes as the R&B icon focuses on her immediate recovery.