Tony Dovolani Remembers Late DWTS Partner Suzanne Somers as Being ‘Full of Positivity’ Despite Health Struggles

Tony Dovolani opens up about losing his ex Dancing with the stars partner Suzanne Somers, who died on Sunday, a day before her 77th birthday.

The 50-year-old professional dancer — who was partnered with Three’s Company star of Season 20 of the ABC dance competition in 2015 — shared that he learned of Somers’ death while working on a commercial.

He said Party tonight“It really hit me like a ton of bricks. I had it on my calendar to wish her a happy birthday because she’s going to be 77 in a few days. When I found out, it just knocked me to my feet because she was such a beacon of light.”

“I remember Suzanne Somers with a smile on her face and it saddens me to the core because I knew she really fought this cancer for such a long time,” he continued. “She was dealing with it, even then, and trying all natural ways to deal with it. The fact that she was able to survive as long as she did is really a true testament to her dedication to health.”

Suzanne Somers and Toni Dovolani in ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Adam Taylor/Disney General entertainment content via Getty

The life of Suzanne Somers in photos

Dovolani recalled how Somers brought a positive attitude — and a smile — to the ballroom despite her health issues.

“As a partner, he is interesting because Dancing with the stars is such a machine and could be successful in everything else, but if you show up in a ballroom, anything happens,” he said. “But she always came in with a pep in her step. She really wanted to study. She was always respectful, wanting to be pushed hard. She had her frustrating moments, but never without a smile.”

“Positiveness was a big part of her life. Being upbeat. She never acted like a victim. She never brought it up as an excuse when we were working,” he added. “I mean, she was so full of life and full of positivity that you would never know she had breast cancer. And the interesting thing about that is she truly believed with all her heart that being positive and being optimistic and looking forward to the future was the way to beat cancer. She fought this terrible disease for so many years. But honestly, she lived every moment to the fullest.”

Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani in ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Adam Taylor/Disney General entertainment content via Getty

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In a separate interview, Dovolani said Extra that Somers was “a joy to be around” and praised her positive outlook Dancing with the stars because the show can sometimes bring up “insecurities”.

“She never showed any of that,” he told the news outlet. “She was, like, so positive… Every time she walked in, she had a little bounce in her step. It’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life, knowing that I got to work with a special person like her.”

The professional dancer – who spent time with Somers and her husband Alan Hamel in Palm Springs, California – also praised the couple’s long-term relationship.

“I feel like it’s an understatement to say these two were in love — they adored each other,” he said. “They were inseparable… When they looked at each other, you knew there were just sparks flying… They really stood the test of time.”

Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel visit Hallmark’s ‘Home & Family’ on December 15, 2017.

David Livingston/Getty

Tributes pour in for Suzanne Somers after actress’ death at 76: ‘Most glamorous person I’ve ever met’

As for Somers’ legacy, Dovolani said he believes it will be about “empowering women,” adding, “Her goal in life was to give people the opportunity to heal through nature, through natural growth…Her legacy to me is her smile – the smile never left her face.”

In a tribute on Instagram, 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 on Monday, he posted a throwback video of him and Somers being pelted with whipped cream, writing: “🥹🙏💙 she looked like the most honest woman.”

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Somers died Sunday morning 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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Source: HIS Education