Mary Lou Retton’s former “Dancing with the Stars” partner is sending positive thoughts to the former gymnast, who is hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia.
Sasha Farber, who danced with Retton on Season 27 of the reality competition series in 2018, recalled to People this week how he connected with the five-time Olympic medalist over text.
“I spoke to my Sweet Mary Lou over text, during the show, and I reminded her that she needs to fight harder than ever, there is only ONE Mary Lou and that she has got this,” said Farber, who is performing with actress Alyson Hannigan on the current season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber on “Dancing with the Stars.”
The pair performed together on Season 27 of the ABC competition series.
The 39-year-old Farber also “sent her pictures from our season and she said this made her smile.”
Farber and Retton, 55, were eliminated fifth during their season.
Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, initially revealed on a spotfund account that the former Olympian has “been in the ICU for over a week now” and is “fighting for her life.”
Retton’s eldest daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, posted an update Wednesday on Instagram.
“She’s still fighting, it’s going to be a day-by-day process and we hope that you guys will respect her boundaries as we want to keep the details between her and our family right now. She’s being treated with the best of the best professionals here and it’s been such a blessing to have their hands on her, so please continue the prayers and we cannot thank you enough for the love and support that you guys have shown,” she said in an Instagram video.
Retton and her family have received an outpouring of support following the news of the Olympian’s hospitalization.
In addition to Farber, another member of Retton’s “Dancing with the Stars” family has also sent well-wishes.
Mary Lou Retton raises her arms in the air during competition in the Women’s artistic individual all-around event at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
“Not only is Mary Lou one of my fellow Dancing with the Stars alumni but she has been part of Children’s Miracle Network hospital for decades. I’ve never met anyone stronger with more zest for life,” said actor John Schneider, who competed with Retton on Season 27 of the show.
“I feel confident that this amazing yet tiny powerhouse will pull through.”
Retton is regarded as one of the greatest American gymnasts.
She won five medals at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, including a gold medal in the all-around competiton.
