Yahoo News Derek Hough Says It 'Breaks' His Heart Leslie Jordan Didn't Get to Compete on DWTS Before His Death
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Ser Baffo/Getty
Derek Hough is lamenting that Leslie Jordan never had the opportunity to compete on Dancing with the Stars before his death.
Upon learning of a fan petition to have Jordan compete on DWTS, the professional dancer, 37, expressed his sadness for the late star, who died in a car accident at the age of 67 on Monday.
"His personality was so big, so grand and joyful… It actually breaks my heart right now," he told Extra. "I wish I would have known that, because we would have [had him on the show]."
He continued, "Whenever I hear people like that who are vying to be on the show, I like to reach out and find ways that we can incorporate them somehow… It breaks my heart that I wasn't able to do that."
Isaac Brekken/Getty Derek Hough
RELATED: Leslie Jordan Dead at 67
Jordan died in a car crash in Hollywood, California, after an apparent medical emergency, TMZ first reported. The LAPD confirmed to PEOPLE that the accident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. local time on Monday morning.
His death was also confirmed via his official Instagram on Monday afternoon, with a brief statement indicating how Jordan was still working in his final days.
"The love and light that Leslie shared will never go out and we invite you to share their memories and comfort each other during this time," the post read. "In the coming days we will be giving a glimpse of a project Leslie was really proud of and was looking forward to sharing with the world."
Steve Granitz/WireImage
In addition to expressing his sadness over Jordan's death, Hough also confirmed during his interview that DWTS guest judge Michael Bublé would perform at his upcoming wedding to fiancée Hayley Erbert.
He teased, "It's happening!"
"I pinch myself all the time, thinking, like, 'How am I good friends with this man?'" the television personality said of Grammy-winning musician. "I'm such a fan… an icon who's just a good man and a good inspiration, a good role model."
Steve Granitz/WireImage
RELATED: Derek Hough Says His Wedding to Hayley Erbert Is 'Going to Be a Full-On Festival'
In June, Hough told PEOPLE that he was enlisting performers for their big day.
"I'm not going to name names right now, but I've already asked a few people to perform at the wedding and they've already committed," Hough said at 4th Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards. "So it's going to be a full-on festival — I'm very excited about it."
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Dancing with the Stars airs live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Mondays on Disney+.
