Lauren Alaina wrote a heartfelt tribute to former Dancing With The Stars judge Len Goodman, who died in hospice over the weekend after battling bone cancer. He was 78.
Alaina competed on the smash-hit dance show in its 28th season in 2018 and 2019, partnering with pro dancer and choreographer Gleb Savchenko. The American Idol alum posted a few photos from her Dancing With The Stars run, rehearsing in a dance studio with both Savchenko and Goodman. Alaina wrote in her caption on Instagram:
“I am honored to have met this wonderful and talented man! He was a pure joy to be around and learn from. Sending love to his loved ones and all of the [Dancing With The Stars] family. He will be missed, but his memory and influence will live on forever. Rest in peace, Len. ❤️”
Other country artists who previously competed on Dancing With The Stars also paid tribute to Goodman, including Jana Kramer. She wrote on her Instagram story on Monday (April 24) that she’s “so sad,” and offered “love to his family & friends and all the DWTS that got to know and love him as a family.
“I purely only knew him from him judging me on the show and I respected and loved the other judges when I was on DWTS, but Len’s vote was always the one that meant the most to me and who I was always trying to do better for,” Kramer continued. “He’s a legend and I feel honored to have ever been around his greatness. 💙🕊”
Jimmie Allen also reflecting on his time on Dancing With The Stars on his Instagram story, remembering that the beloved judge “never gave me a 10. But we can talk about that later on the other side,” Allen wrote as he assured that Goodman would be missed.
Goodman’s manager, Jackie Gill, confirmed that the beloved judge and former professional ballroom dancer died on Saturday (April 22). He is remembered as “a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
“Len Goodman will always be an icon in the world of ballroom dance, and we were lucky to have him as part of our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family for 31 seasons,” reads a tribute on the Dancing With The Stars Instagram account on Monday. “He was warm and caring, and always delivered genuine guidance. We are devastated by the news of his passing and our hearts are with his family during this very difficult time.”