Carrie Ann Inaba, Tom Bergeron and the 'DWTS' Cast Post Heartbreaking Tributes to Len Goodman

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Dancing With the Stars fans are mourning the loss of beloved and longtime judge Len Goodman.

On April 24, news broke that the veteran TV judge died from bone cancer at the age of 78. The Strictly Come Dancing alum's agent first announced his death to BBC, sharing that Len was "surrounded by his family" when he died at a hospice in Kent, England, two days prior on April 22, per People.

"It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78," his manager Jackie Gill wrote in an official statement to the British news network. "A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

Amid the heartbreaking development, Len's Dancing With the Stars castmates remembered him in a series of emotional tributes on Instagram.

Carrie Ann Inaba: "A Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And… A treasured friend. Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today’s news has shattered it all over again. I can’t believe that you’re gone. You were one of a kind my dear friend. And I will cherish our memories and hold them close, while I join so many others in mourning your loss."

Bruno Tonioli: "[Heartbroken] my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away. I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together @bbcstrictly @dancingwiththestars. [There] will never be anyone like you. We will miss you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Bruno."

Former Dancing With the Stars co-host Tom Bergeron added: "A good man, indeed. 😞 #rip."

Incoming DWTS new co-host Julianne Hough wrote: "From the time we met when I was 10 years old competing in London, to my first time on DWTS and feeling at home because of your familiar face ... To then have sat by your side as a judge, rather partner, for so many years creating so many inside jokes and memories was and will be a sacred part of my life that I’ll always cherish. The wisdom, playfulness, and class that radiated from you touched all of us with such impact. I’m forever grateful for the many years you influenced my past, present and future! What an honor is has been to have been a part of your wonderful life. You’re a legend and left a beautiful legacy. I love you forever. Sending all my love to your family and especially 'your Sue' 🤍🕊️🕺🪩."

Longtime fans of the dance competition series also commented on the devastating loss on social media.

"So sad!!! Loved him as a judge on DWTS. May he rest in peace 😢," one person wrote on Instagram. "The show will never be the same with you Len Goodman. Rest In Peace, I hope [you're] dancing in Heaven," another follower replied. "Sad day in the dance community. True legend. May he rest in peace," a different user added.

Throughout Len's life, he achieved many accolades, thanks to his love of dancing. Per The Hollywood Reporter, he started his career at age 19 and won the British Championships by the time he was in his late 20s. He received multiple awards for his work in dancing and opened up the Goodman Dance Academy in Kent as a way of teaching.

When it came to TV, Len also made strides in his contribution to the art. He started out as a judge on Britain's dance contest show Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 before simultaneously working on Dancing With the Stars starting in 2005. He retired from Strictly in 2016 to focus on the American reality competition show permanently.

As viewers may know, he made his final appearance on the Disney+ series in November 2022, after revealing that he wanted to retire to spend time with his loved ones.

"I've been with the show since it started in 2005, and it’s been a huge pleasure to be a huge part of such a wonderful show," Len said at the time. "But I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain. I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing With the Stars family. It has been such a wonderful experience for me."

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