‘Dancing with the Stars’ Honors Late Judge Len Goodman By Renaming Mirrorball Trophy

"Len loves this show and will always be there, looking down on us," executive producer Conrad Green said

Dancing with the Stars is making sure late judge Len Goodman is forever remembered on the show in a very special way by renaming the Mirrorball trophy.

“The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will now be lifted on Dancing with the Stars like the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl,” executive producer Conrad Green told USA Today on Wednesday.

Related: The Surprising Story Behind the 'Dancing with the Stars' Mirrorball Trophy

Green continued, “We wanted to make Len a permanent part of this show, to always remind people the importance he’s had to Dancing with the Stars and how much he meant to all of us.”

“Len loves this show and will always be there, looking down on us,” the executive producer added.

Goodman died from bone cancer while in hospice care in Kent, England on April 22. He was 78.

His manager Jackie Gill told BBC News Goodman was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

"It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78," Gill said in a statement. "A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

In addition to his beloved role on DWTS, the U.K.-born television personality was also a head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, the British version of the dance competition series. The show ran from 2004 until 2016 and Goodman appeared on all seasons.

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"Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions," BBC Director-General Tim Davie wrote in a statement shared on X. "He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone's family. Len was at the very heart of Strictly's success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family."

Derek Hough, a staple on DWTS, reflected on his mentor’s death during a May episode of the Whine Down with Jana Kramer podcast. The dancer-turned-judge, 38, opened up about losing someone he’d known since he was 12 years old.

"We certainly didn't know the extent [of his illness] — we had no idea the extent — because this was a huge shock to all of us," he said after sharing that he did know Goodman was dealing with health issues.

Hough added that there had been "countless tears and phone calls" with others who cared for Goodman following his death, but said they “were [lucky] to spend as much time with him as we did."

Goodman earned his own Mirrorball trophy during the season 31 finale.

"That is fantastic," he said after co-hosts Tyra Banks and Alfonso Ribeiro presented him with the special award.

Related: Alfonso Ribeiro Promises 'DWTS' Season 32 Will Honor Len Goodman's Legacy: 'There Won't Be a Dry Eye'

"It's been such a joy for me being a part of Dancing with the Stars. I've had such a wonderful time and this is absolutely the cherry on the top,” Goodman added.

DWTS also played a highlight reel celebrating his 17 years as a judge on the hit series.

In his USA Today interview, executive producer Conrad Green hinted that the season 32 premiere of DWTS, which airs on Sept. 26 on ABC, will be dedicated to Goodman, who had been a judge on the show since its 2005 inception.

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