"Dancing with the Stars" paid a special tribute to one of its former contestants in a unique way. People still miss Florence Henderson who died on November 24, 2016. Before the popular ABC dance competition show premiered on Monday, March 20, host Tom Bergeron posted a photo on social media of Henderson's star on the ballroom floor.
Henderson's star
The Henderson star is the first of its kind on the ballroom floor. Henderson was a contestant during Season 11 in 2010 with partner Corky Ballas. That was the second time Mark Ballas' father participated on "Dancing With The Stars." The first time was with 82-year-old Cloris Leachman during Season 7 in 2008.
Henderson was eliminated after her fifth week, and Leachman was eliminated after the sixth week.
The former Carol Brady was in the audience several times during Season 23. She was there to support her television daughter, Maureen McCormick who played Marcia on the "Brady Bunch." In fact, she was there just three days before she died. The "Brady Bunch" mother died from a heart condition at the age of 82 that shocked fans around the world because she appeared to have been a picture of health.
McCormick, 60, was very close to Henderson. She and the "Dancing with the Stars" family all spoke highly of Florence following her death. They described her as an incredible example of how to live a wonderful life.
They also said she was sweet and the loveliest of ladies.
The other star
Florence Henderson was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 14, 1996 for her extraordinary career in show business over seven decades. Fortunately, she was able to participate in the celebration and could see her star whenever she wanted to.
Unfortunately, her recent star was a tribute to her after her death. So, she never got to see it. However, her family on "Dancing with the Stars" will see it and think of her.
The announcement of the star came just before "Dancing with the Stars" Season 24 returned with its 400th episode and a brand new cast made up of athletes, singers, musicians, and sports figures. The 2016 Olympic gold medalist gymnast Simone Biles and partner Sasha Farber received the highest score of 32 out of 40.
