Tony Dovolani Remembers Late “DWTS” Partner Suzanne Somers as Being 'Full of Positivity' Despite Health Struggles

The professional dancer said the 'Three's Company' actress, who died on Sunday at age 76, "never acted like the victim" as she dealt with her breast cancer diagnosis

Tony Dovolani is opening up about the loss of his former Dancing with the Stars partner Suzanne Somers, who died on Sunday, one day shy of her 77th birthday.

The 50-year-old professional dancer — who was partnered with the Three’s Company star for season 20 of the ABC dance competition in 2015 — shared that he learned of Somers’ death while working on a commercial.

He told Entertainment Tonight,  "It really hit me like a ton of bricks. 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."

"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 continued. “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."

Related: Suzanne Somers' Life in Photos

Dovolani recalled Somers bringing a positive attitude — and a smile — to the ballroom despite her health struggles.

"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 shared. "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."

"Positivity was a big part of her life. Being optimistic. She never acted like the victim. She never brought it up as an excuse when we were working,” he added. “I mean, she was so full of life and full of positivity that you would never know that she had breast cancer. And the interesting thing about that is that she truly believed with her entire heart that being positive and being optimistic and looking forward to the future was the way to beat cancer. She battled that terrible disease for so many years. But honestly, she lived every moment to its fullest."

Related: Suzanne Somers' Widower Recalls Kissing and 'Talking to Her' in Her Final Days: 'She Was Still with Us' (Exclusive)

In a separate interview, Dovolani told Extra that Somers was a “joy to be around" and commended her positive outlook on Dancing with the Stars because the show can sometimes bring out “insecurities.”

“She never showed any of it,” he told the outlet. “She was, like, so positive… Every time she would come in, she had a little bounce in her step. That's something that I'm going to take with me for the rest of my life, is knowing that I got to work with a special person like her.”

The pro dancer — who spent time with Somers and her husband Alan Hamel in Palm Springs, California — also praised the couple's long-lasting relationship.

“I feel like saying these two were in love is an understatement — they worshiped each other,” he shared. “They were inseparable… When they looked at each other, you knew there were just sparks flying constantly… They really withstood the test of time."

Related: Suzanne Somers Tributes Pour in After Actress's Death at 76: 'The Most Glamorous Person I’d Ever Met'

As for Somers’ legacy, Dovolani said he believes it will be “about empowering women,“ adding, "Her goal in life was to give people the opportunity to heal themselves through nature, through natural growth… Her legacy for me is her smile — her smile never left her face."

In a tribute on Instagram, Dovolani remembered his late partner, writing, “Rip @suzannesomers what an honor getting to know you #danceinheaven beautiful human being so saddened by this news.”

In another post on Monday, he posted a throwback video of him and Somers’ being hit with whipped cream, writing, “🥹🙏💙 she seemed like the most genuine sincere woman.”

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Somers died on Sunday morning at the age of 76, her publicist R. Couri Hay confirmed to PEOPLE.

“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” Hay wrote in a statement to PEOPLE shared on behalf of the actress’ family.

“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”

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