Len Goodman is retiring from ‘Dancing With the Stars’ to spend time with family. The couple, who have been married for 18 years, made the decision together in January. They wanted to do things their own way and were not persuaded by reality show producers. “I want to be around for our young children…and be the wife and mother that they deserve,” Goodman said. “I don’t think anything will change me. I will still love, support and always be there for my children. I want to be a great wife, mom, and friend. When you have people that love you, you’ll have someone to share everything with, and I don’t think I have that!”
On the show, Goodman had enjoyed fame for six seasons as a dancer with the popular ballroom dancing show, “Dancing with the Stars,” with partner Mary Carver. But he and his wife had wanted to spend more time with their family and decided to change careers. Goodman, 62, was a respected, nationally known teacher with his own school.
“It’s time to spend time with the family,” Goodman explained. “It’s hard to leave them…but it’s best for me. I have no other job. Dancing is something I am good at. And I’ve been good at it, but I’m tired of it,” Goodman said of his professional career. “I am not asking for anything. It’s time to spend time with the kids and my wife. I’m not going to be judged. I’m just going to be me.” Goodman’s wife, Sharon, was in the audience, as is their son Michael, 16. Goodman’s daughter-in-law is also in the audience.
The two have been married for 18 years and have seven children. They have a son, Jacob, 9, and three daughters, Savannah, 19, Jodie, 8, and Gabriella,4. Goodman has also been devoted to his church, First Baptist in Blythewood, Calif.
“It’s going to be great,” Goodman said.
