“Dancing With the Stars” pays tribute to former contestant Suzanne Somers

Dancing With the Stars has nothing but love for Suzanne Somers.

The Three's Company and Step By Step star died at the age of 76 on Oct. 15, following a battle with breast cancer, just ahead of her 77th birthday. Somers competed on season 20 of the ABC series with pro dancer Tony Dovolani.

In the wake of her death, DWTS paid tribute to the late actress and iconic Thighmaster spokesperson on Tuesday night's show. They showcased photos of Somers both at the top of the broadcast and ahead of the final commercial break and weekly elimination.

During the second tribute, host Alfonso Ribeiro made remarks honoring Somers. "Suzanne competed on season 20, and she made a big impression on everyone here both in the ballroom and behind the scenes," he said. "Our thoughts go out to her friends and family."

Kelsey McNeal/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Suzanne Somers on 'Dancing With the Stars' season 20

Somers' partner on the show, Tony Dovolani, also paid tribute to the late actress via Entertainment Tonight on Monday. "It really hit me like a ton of bricks," he said of Somers' death. "I had it in my calendar to wish her a happy birthday because she was turning 77 in a couple days. When I found out, it just cut my legs from under me because she was such a beacon of light," he shared.

"I remember Suzanne Somers with a smile on her face, and it just saddens me to the core because I knew she really fought this cancer for such a long time," he added. "She was dealing with it, even back then, and trying every natural way of dealing with this. The fact that she was able to survive it for as long as she did is really a true testament to her dedication to being healthy."

"As a partner, it's interesting because Dancing With the Stars is such a machine and you could be successful in everything else, but you show up in the ballroom, all kinds of things happen," he concluded. "But she always walked in with a pep in her step. She really wanted to learn. She was always respectful, she wanted to be pushed hard. She had her frustrating moments but never without a smile."

Somers and Dovolani came in 9th place in season 20, facing elimination in week 5 of the competition.

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, and streams the following day on Hulu.

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