“Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy paid tribute to his former dance partner Kirstie Alley after her death on Monday, December 5.
Though the dancing duo had a rough fallout, Maksim stated, “My dearest Kirstie, We haven’t spoken lately and I’ll tell you everything when I finally see you, but for now I want to say that I love you very much and I wish you the most peaceful rest.”
He continued via Instagram, “You were one of the most unique people I have ever met and easily one of the brightest moments of my personal and professional life. Some of our relationship is heavily documented. Most of it is known to select few. All of it was like a wild rollercoaster. From Maude to DJ Lil Buttercup you were always all in for life.”
Chmerkovskiy, 42, continued to say that as he wrote his thoughts for her, all of the “memories of our time together rush to my head.”
“I remember how absolutely wild you were and I start to tear up. Something you’d absolutely hate. And now I can’t help but smile because I remembered exactly what you wanted me to say at your funeral,” he said. “Don’t think I can do it here …”
The dancer ended the touching post with “I thought you’d be around forever. I wish we spoke often. Thank you for everything. I love you Kirstie Alley. RIP.”
Alley, who danced with the choreographer on seasons 12 and 15 of the Dancing With The Stars show, passed away at age 71 following a short battle with cancer.
Her children, William and Lillie, wrote a post on their late mother’s Instagram stating, “We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce, and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered. She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
