On Tuesday, Feb. 10 professional dancer Karina Smirnoff took to Instagram to announce her departure from "Dancing With the Stars" after appearing on the show for 16 seasons.

Smirnoff explained that rather than continue on with the show for Season 20, she opted to focus on other career endeavors, specifically being an author with the recent release of her first book, "We're Just not That Into You: Dating Disasters From the Trenches."

"I am thrilled that now you will be seeing more of me in new arenas in the days and weeks to come," Smirnoff wrote about her new endeavor. "I love all of you so very much and couldn't feel more grateful for your support in all that I do! #werejustnotthatintoyou."

 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. 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. I have absolutely loved dancing for all of you for all these years and feel blessed to have been given a platform to put my passion for dance, choreography and creativity on display. DWTS has been a huge part of my life for the last 10 years and i will always have a special place in my heart for it. I am thrilled that now you will be seeing more of me in new arenas in the days and weeks to come. My first book We're Just Not That Into You - Dating Disasters From the Trenches was released today and I look forward to hearing from you as you read it! I love all of you so very much and couldn't feel more grateful for your support in all that I do! #werejustnotthatintoyou

A photo posted by karina_smirnoff (@karina_smirnoff) on Feb 10, 2015 at 2:40pm PST

Following her announcement, Smirnoff's fans sent the dancer well wishes, and some expressed their sadness over her surprise exit from the show.

"I will buy your book! YOU are one of the reasons I watch DWTS! But your happiness and following your dreams is most important. You will be so very missed!" one fan, @tealanne, wrote.

Access Hollywood reports that prior to Smirnoff's announcement, "DWTS" pro dancers Derek Hough and Cheryl Burke announced their exit from the show as well.

Season 20 has lost three of its veteran pro dancers, and the show's executives announced on Wednesday the new lineup of dancers that will replace those that have left. The "DWTS" Season 20 list of pro dancers include Mark Ballas, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev,Val Chmerkovskiy, Tony Dovolani, Allison Holker, Kym Johnson, Peta Murgatroyd and Emma Slater.

In addition to its new lineup of dancers, "DWTS" will also feature all-access filming in rehearsal studios that will be available to watch on live stream. The show also plans to bring back Disney and Latin theme nights and introduce a new Spring Break special night, ABC reports.

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