Marilu Henner Gushes About Her DWTS ‘Family’ After Being Eliminated: ‘I’ve Had Such a Blast’

Dancing with the Stars said goodbye to Marilu Henner on week 9’s Showstopper night.

At the top of the evening, Henner, 64, and pro partner Derek Hough kicked off Monday’s performances with a Samba — which included a special return appearance from former DWTS pro Mark Ballas!

Ballas, who is performing as Frankie Valli on Broadway’s Jersey Boys, lent his vocals and sang with three fellow cast mates during the pair’s live performance.

But despite earning rave reviews from the judges, including guest judge and Tony-winning actress Idina Menzel — she told Henner, “I’ve been inspired by her my whole life and you look like you were having an amazing time. It not only looked like you were having a great time, but you did an amazing job and these guys sounded like they really approved” — and a solid 26/40, she wasn’t able to proceed into week 10.

“Working with Derek has been an all-encompassing experience,” Henner, who was hopeful of making a comeback in week 9, told cameras of her time with the pro dancer. “You have your ups, your downs and I feel like I’ve really gotten to know him.”

After being named as the eliminated couple at the wrap of the show, Marilu gushed about her time on the reality dancing competition series.

“I’ve had such a blast,” Henner told hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews. “It’s such a family here: the judges, you guys, my darling Derek, the hair and makeup and wardrobe people, everybody!”

Dancing with the Stars airs Mondays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.