The Real Reason Tony Dovolani Left Dancing With The Stars

Tony Dovolani was a familiar face for fans of ABC’s long running celebrity dance competition “Dancing With the Stars.” The professional ballroom dancer joined the show in Season 2 and stuck around for years, but ultimately decided to take a step back after Season 22, in which he and his partner, Marla Maples, placed 10th.
There are always questions when a fan favorite leaves a TV show, and Dovolani has addressed at least a few of them. So what did it take for him to quit his longtime gig on the series? Or should the question be who did it take? This is the real reason Tony Dovolani left “Dancing With the Stars.”

#TonyDovolani #DancingWithTheStars #Dancer

[TheList]

What's your favorite "DWTS" performance?

[azflower]

He was one of my all time favorites and I felt as if he was always given the most difficult partners. I'm glad he's doing well.

[ccefc_families]

I will always remember that moment he won the mirrorball trophy with Melissa Rycroft in the All Stars competition. The look of shock and elation on his face very much jumped off the screen. They deserved it so much! He is such a positive cheerful person no matter what. Good for him that he is a dance teacher and director for a dance studio and gets to spend more time with his family.

[Joecrow-waytogo]

It was obvious that Tony was always given the worst partners. I can't believe he took that abuse and disrespect for as long as he did.

[hollyvalentine]

Because he's amazing and he always got crappy partners! I always felt bad for him

[msfreedom]

I've been screaming from the rooftops Tony and Leah Remini for DWTS announcers. They are hilarious together. ❤

[gaild.]

I was in an elevator with him and his wife in Brooklyn. Even more handsome in person. They both were very sweet when they realized I was staring at them. They struck up a conversation with someone who looked like a stocker. Really fun to meet them

[stacygearou]

I got to meet him once quickly at the MoA in Minnesota. Very sweet man, even more handsome in person than he is on TV.

[patriciasnyder]

They most often stuck him with the worst partners. Definitely unfair.

[davedove]

Having met and spending some time with Tony, I can tell you he is a good guy. One big reason he gives for leaving the show was to spend more time being a dad.

[cards]

Tony, because he was sweet and encouraging, would always get the women of…um…limited ability. (Kate was just weeks of torture. Poor Tony.)
When he got Melissa Rycroft the first time she was in a delicate emotional state, and came on Friday before Monday’s show.
I remember the two of them practicing in the parking lot before their turn to dance.
We saw her blossom with Tony’s support and coaching.
So when she came back, and got to partner with Tony again it was obvious they were the favorites, and she was a much better dancer.
I always saw that as Tony’s reward. He certainly deserved it.

[barbarabowles]

I LIKE TONY TOO. WISH HE WOULD COME BACK. WHO DOES PAIR THE STARS AND DANCERS.

[thewoodlandsyogastudio]

I once had a coaching with Tony. He is a fabulous teacher. Miss him terribly.

[jobuchner]

Watching him have to dance with Kate Gosselin was so painful. He put up with so much crap from her and her ego. Can't believe he's now 49!! Sure doesn't look it!

[SharonBenson]

Sorry you had to go through that with Kate

[annekelly]

Was and still is the best all around dancer and person on the show miss him on the show

[Pieldenieve]

Tony and Leah have the BEST chemistry together!!! They should DEFINITELY have a show! The videos are here on YouTube were they interviewed the couples from DWTS. I think they did it for the show Extra.

[Jvargas]

The show has gone down hill since they stopped using actual Ballroom and Latin world champions as the pros. Not that the pros now aren’t talented.

[ABCDEFGH-oreb]

In the 2010s, the viewers were so mean to Tony. (except in the all-star season.)

[stmFantasy]

I always had problems with this show even though I loved watching the actual dancing. Their choice of 'celebrities, ' judges obvious favorites, public voting based on politics or something other than dancing. I think the last show I watched was watching Derick's behavior with a couple of protesters. Don't even remember what they were protesting but Derick lost his cool.