Len Goodman has died at age 78 shortly after announcing his Dancing with the Stars retirement.

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The longtime Dancing with the Stars judge's agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed Len's death on Monday, April 24.

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"It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78," Gill told BBC News in a statement.

"A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

Len passed away peacefully in hospice in Kent, England, surrounded by his family.

According to People, Len had battled bone cancer before he died.

Fans and the Dancing with the Stars family have been mourning Len's death.

"[Heart] broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you. You will always be my perfect 10," DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli tweeted alongside a photo of the men hugging.

DWTS judge and former pro partner Derek Hough penned a sweet tribute to Len on Instagram.

"'Hold my gaze.' Heart broken by the news of our dear friend and mentor Len Goodman. It's a gloomy morning here in Los Angeles which seems fitting after this heart breaking news," Derek captioned a photo of the men standing arm-in-arm in the DWTS ballroom.

"But when I think back at the memories we all shared with Len, his sense of humor, his smile and charm everything feels much brighter and full of sunshine. Still hard to fully process but filled with gratitude knowing I had the privilege of working beside this absolute legend. We will miss you dearly Len. We love you. Rest In Peace my friend."

And DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba posted a video montage of fun moments she had with Len on the show, including a sweet image of them dancing together.

"A Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And... A treasured friend," Carrie Ann wrote.

"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."

Carrie Ann continued, "Thank you for all that you shared with us. Your humor, your wisdom, your wit and your truth. Until we meet again... Rest In Peace Len."

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Len announced he was leaving Dancing with the Stars in November 2022 after judging nearly 30 seasons of the reality dancing competition, which previously aired on ABC and now streams on Disney+.

One week before Dancing with the Stars' Season 31 finale, Len made a big announcement on the show.

"This will be my last season judging on Dancing with the Stars," Len declared. "I've been with the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show."

Len continued, "But I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and my family back in Britain."

The audience clapped and cheered loudly for Len, who added, "I cannot thank you enough for the Dancing with the Stars family. It has been such a wonderful experience for me."

Former Dancing with the Stars host Tyra Banks -- who is being replaced by Julianne Hough next season -- went on to note how many of the Dancing with the Stars pros, such as Mark Ballas and Val Chmerkovskiy, had been judged by Len as children.

"You've inspired generations of dancers around the entire globe through your passion and through your expertise and through your laser-focused eye," Tyra said.

"And they are going to carry on that commitment to excellence forever. Thank you so much -- a living legend."

Len served as a judge on all of Dancing with the Stars' seasons except for Season 21 in 2015 and Season 29 in 2020.

For years, Len would travel back and forth between the United Kingdom and the United States weekly along with Bruno to judge both Dancing with the Stars in Los Angeles, CA and Strictly Come Dancing (the British version of the reality series) in London, England.

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In 2020, he participated in the Dancing with the Stars season virtually, but not as a judge, because he could not freely travel between countries amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Derek replaced Len as the head judge of the show's 29th season during the height of COVID-19.


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