Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Cheryl Burke shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to former DWTS host Tom Bergeron. The dancer, who won the mirrorball trophy twice—first with Drew Lachey in Season 2 and again with Emmitt Smith in Season 3—posted throwback photos with Bergeron, reflecting on their enduring off-screen friendship.
“No matter how many years have passed since we last shared a stage, he has always made the effort to check in, to offer support, and to remind me that true friendships don’t fade with time,” Burke wrote. “He wasn’t just a mentor or the best host in the business; he was, and always will be, a friend who shows up, listens, and makes you laugh even when you need it most… Thank you for being my Dance Dad, my co-conspirator, and most importantly, my friend…”
Bergeron replied with humor, commenting,
“Sentimental & sappy, eh? As opposed to our usual exchanges…sassy & snarky?”
Cheryl Reflects on Longtime Friendship With Bergeron
Burke joined “Dancing with the Stars” in 2006 and quickly became one of the show’s standout pros. Bergeron had been the host since season 1 in 2005, and the two developed a strong off-camera friendship over the years. Burke often affectionately referred to him as her “dance dad.”
When Burke announced her retirement from the show in November 2022 after 26 seasons, she reunited with Bergeron shortly afterward and shared a photo of the two with the hashtag #reunitedanditfeelssogood.
Tom and Cheryl Remain Close After DWTS Exits
While Burke chose to step away from “Dancing with the Stars”, Bergeron’s exit in 2020 followed reported tensions with the show’s producers. In 2019, he publicly opposed the casting of former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, expressing a desire to keep politics out of the ballroom.
“My preference was to keep politics out of the ballroom,” Bergeron later shared during an October 2023 appearance on Burke’s podcast, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans”.
He officially parted ways with the show after that season, as reported by Variety.
The duo had reportedly planned to co-host Burke’s podcast together, but following the passing of former “Dancing with the Stars” judge Len Goodman in 2023, Bergeron stepped back from the opportunity.
Since leaving “Dancing with the Stars”, Burke and Bergeron have stayed connected and continued to support each other. Their recent exchange on social media reflects the mutual respect they’ve maintained since their early days on the show.
