Tony Dovolani recalls his last interaction with the deceased Dancing with the stars partner Suzanne Somers, who died on October 15 at the age of 76.
The 50-year-old professional dancer — who will be back DWTS Tuesday to honor the late Chief Justice Len Goodman — tells PEOPLE exclusively that Somers graciously gave him copies of the books she wrote in their last exchange before her death.
“My last communication with her was the fact that I wanted all her books, and she sent all her books to our house,” he shares. “And we read them all the time.”
“She was very health driven. She was very involved in empowering women, and that was a big connection we had, which is that my sister went through breast cancer, so she realized that it affected all of us,” he adds. “And so she was all about women’s health, and that was my last conversation with her, and I wish I had more.”
Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani in ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
Adam Taylor/Disney General entertainment content via Getty
Tony Dovolani remembers late DWTS Partner Suzanne Somers as ‘full of positivity’ despite health problems
Dovolani recalls Three’s Company star’s smile was “infectious” when they partnered on season 20 of the ABC dance competition in 2015, despite being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“You never saw Suzanne Somers without a smile, and she was a superb actress from start to finish, even through her struggles and everything,” he said. “I mean, she’s been suffering from that disease for over 20 years. So the fact that she stayed classy and beautiful and always had a smile on her face was pretty amazing.”
He added that he learned from Somers that “health is the number one happiness in the world.”
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Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani in ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
Adam Taylor/Disney General entertainment content via Getty
The family of Suzanne Somers is celebrating her 77th birthday the day after her death
In an Instagram tribute following Somers’ death earlier this month, Dovolani remembered his late partner, writing: “Rip @suzannesomers what an honor to meet you #danceinheaven beautiful human being so saddened by this news.”
In another post, he shared a throwback video of him and Somers being pelted with whipped cream, writing: “🥹🙏💙 she looked like the most honest woman.”
Suzanne Somers, Three’s Company and Step by step Actress, died at 76
Somers died on Oct. 15 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 that he shared on behalf of the actress’ family.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, son Bruce and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16. Instead, they will celebrate her remarkable life and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
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Dancing with the stars airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and Disney+.
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Source: HIS Education