‘DWTS’: Did Len Goodman Foresee His Own Death?

Len Goodman, DWTS, ABC

By now, most Dancing With The Stars fans are aware of Len Goodman’s passing. Fans were shocked and saddened to hear about the loss this week.

Since the news broke, Len’s former colleagues and Dancing With The Stars alumni shared touching tributes to the judge. For years, all contestants wanted was a highly coveted “10 from Len.”

Without a doubt, Len will be sorely missed all over the world. But new information indicates that he probably knew that he would pass away soon.

Len Goodman likely knew he wouldn’t live for another year

The iconic Len Goodman had been with Dancing With The Stars since its premiere in 2005. He did step away from time to time for his health, but he always came back.

His unexpected retirement at the end of Season 31 seems to indicate that he knew his life was coming to an end.

Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, DWTS, Disney Plus
Dancing With The Stars/Disney+

The judge passed away in hospice care in Kent, surrounded by loved ones. Bone cancer was ultimately revealed to be his cause of death.

But it seems like Len knew that he just wasn’t meant to see his 80s.

“My dad had the right idea,” Len Goodman told The Daily Mail about six months ago. “He loved gardening and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79 so if I go the way of my dad, that’ll be next year.”

Sadly, the long-time ballroom judge did not quite live to see his 79th birthday, which was April 25. He passed away on April 22.

Len Goodman, DWTS, Disney Plus
Dancing With The Stars/Disney+

As much as Len loved ballroom dance, he knew he didn’t want to be on Dancing With The Stars up until his final days.

“Doing a live show you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging,” he once told PEOPLE. “I haven’t fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it’s best to go before I start to do so!”

The show must go on

In hindsight, Len Goodman’s surprise retirement at the end of Season 31 makes much more sense to the public now. He knew his cancer was progressing and he just wanted to spend his final days with his loved ones.

“Retirement looks like more time to be with family and friends and enjoy the grandchildren whilst they are still young and don’t answer me back!” he told PEOPLE.

Dancing With The Stars definitely won’t be the same without Len Goodman. However, fans have had lots of time to mentally prepare for seeing someone new in his seat. Plenty of fans hope the series will pay a touching tribute to the late judge when Season 32 premieres this fall.

Stay tuned for more news and updates on DWTS, Len Goodman, and your other favorite cast members.

Nikole Behrens
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