Professional dancer Karina Smirnoff is leaving celebrity-dance show 'Dancing With the Stars'.
Smirnoff will not be returning for the upcoming 20th season of the competition, reported Us magazine.
She participated in 16 seasons, starting from season three in 2006, and won the thirteenth one with army veteran and soap opera star J R Martinez.
"Many of you have been asking if I will be back for season 20 of DWTS and I wanted all of my incredible family to hear it directly from me," she wrote on Instagram in the caption of a headshot of herself.
"After a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to focus my energies on some other exciting endeavors including adding author to my resume," Smirnoff said.
She said she enjoyed dancing on the show, which would always have a special place in her life.
Smirnoff's most recent stint on the show was with actor Randy Couture in season 19. They were sent home in week three.
