Jenn Tran Says She's Felt 'Unlovable,' Has Suffered from Depression: 'Didn't Think That I Would Still Be Here Today' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jenn Tran for Dedication Night on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Photo:Eric McCandless/Disney

Eric McCandless/Disney

Jenn TranusedDancing with the Stars' Dedication Nightto make a brave statement about her mental health.The former Bachelorette performed a Foxtrot with partnerSasha FarbertoTaylor Swift’s “The Archer,” and Tran now tells PEOPLE she chose theLovertrack as an ode to her own emotions."‘The Archer’ is such a beautiful, beautiful song talking about flaws and insecurities and feeling unlovable. And I feel like that a lot of the time," Tran, 26, says. “I’ve been through a lot of depression [and] anxiety in the past, and times where I didn’t think that I would still be here today.““That song was really all about me working through those moments, but still being here today and still overcoming those battles every now and then.“Tran adds of her decision to dedicate her performance to the 34-year-old popstar, “I wanted to really dance my heart out for me, for Taylor, but also for everyone else who had been going through the same things that I’ve been going through, because I want them to know that they’re not alone.“Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Eric McCandless/DisneyDuring her rehearsal with Farber, 40, Tran said Swift’s music “transported me to a different place when I was at my lowest of lows” as she opened up about her parents' “volatile relationship.““I remember walking home from school and seeing, like, cop cars in my driveway and feeling scared and alone.“Swift, 34, taught Tran that “there’s so much strength in being vulnerable and allowing other people to see you for who you really are.“Her performance earned her a score of 32/40, and judge Bruno Tonioli told her she was “moving about like a swift in the air,” while guest judge and formerDWTSproMark Ballassaid, “You’re improving every week. Keep it going.“Julianne Hough interviews Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Eric McCandless/DisneyWeek 5 ended with an elimination after the cast performed a variety of touching dances for Dedication Night, and sawBrooks NaderandGleb Savchenkopack their bags.“I thought we were gonna win,” Savchenko told Nader afterward. “I had such a blast working with you. You are super talented and I love you.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Dancing with the Starsairs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ and streams the next day on Hulu.

Jenn TranusedDancing with the Stars' Dedication Nightto make a brave statement about her mental health.

The former Bachelorette performed a Foxtrot with partnerSasha FarbertoTaylor Swift’s “The Archer,” and Tran now tells PEOPLE she chose theLovertrack as an ode to her own emotions.

“‘The Archer’ is such a beautiful, beautiful song talking about flaws and insecurities and feeling unlovable. And I feel like that a lot of the time,” Tran, 26, says. “I’ve been through a lot of depression [and] anxiety in the past, and times where I didn’t think that I would still be here today.”

“That song was really all about me working through those moments, but still being here today and still overcoming those battles every now and then.”

Tran adds of her decision to dedicate her performance to the 34-year-old popstar, “I wanted to really dance my heart out for me, for Taylor, but also for everyone else who had been going through the same things that I’ve been going through, because I want them to know that they’re not alone.”

Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Eric McCandless/Disney

During her rehearsal with Farber, 40, Tran said Swift’s music “transported me to a different place when I was at my lowest of lows” as she opened up about her parents' “volatile relationship.”

“I remember walking home from school and seeing, like, cop cars in my driveway and feeling scared and alone.”

Swift, 34, taught Tran that “there’s so much strength in being vulnerable and allowing other people to see you for who you really are.”

Her performance earned her a score of 32/40, and judge Bruno Tonioli told her she was “moving about like a swift in the air,” while guest judge and formerDWTSproMark Ballassaid, “You’re improving every week. Keep it going.”

Julianne Hough interviews Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Eric McCandless/Disney

Week 5 ended with an elimination after the cast performed a variety of touching dances for Dedication Night, and sawBrooks NaderandGleb Savchenkopack their bags.

“I thought we were gonna win,” Savchenko told Nader afterward. “I had such a blast working with you. You are super talented and I love you.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Dancing with the Starsairs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ and streams the next day on Hulu.

source: people.com