Maksim Chmerkovskiy Remembers Late 'DWTS' Partner Kirstie Alley: 'I Love You Very Much'

Maksim Chmerkovskiy is remembering his former Dancing with the Stars partner Kirstie Alley, who died Monday (December 5) at the age of 71.

The 42-year-old dancer posted a message to the late star on Instagram early Tuesday (December 6), sharing a photo of himself and Kirstie from their time on the show on Season 12 in 2011.

“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 began.

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“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,” he continued.

“From Maude to DJ Lil Buttercup you were always all in for life. As I’m typing this, 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. Don’t think I can do it here,” Maksim wrote.

“I thought you’d be around forever. I wish we spoke often. Thank you for everything. I love you Kirstie Alley. RIP.”

The two had public disagreements in later years.

Her cause of death has been confirmed by a rep.