'Dancing With The Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba's Dad Dies Days Before Show's Premiere

“Dancing With The Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba explained a devastating event in her personal life that occurred just days before the show’s season premiere.

Inaba, who has been a judge on the ABC series since its start, recently revealed in a blog post that her father, Rodney Y. Inaba, had died in the days leading up to the premiere of the show.

"Last night was very emotional for me," divulged Inaba in an extremely personal blog posted to People.com on Tuesday.

"My father, Rodney Y. Inaba passed away this past Thursday morning and it's been a really challenging time. Losing a loved one is something that is so very hard to understand and cope with. I'm filled with a tremendous sadness but also a relief for he is in a better place now," she wrote.

Later in the blog post Inaba honored her father's memory and also thanked him for the things he had given her in life. She also disclosed she might not have made it to the show on Monday.

"But I felt my father's spirit was with me last night, supporting me and cheering me on," she explained. "And I dedicated the show to him, in gratitude for all that he taught me about life; for his bravery, his courage, his huge heart and his love for the underdog."

Additionally, Inaba thanked her fellow "DWTS" judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, and also included the staff members at the show for the support they’ve shown her during this sad time.

The judge will continue to appear on the show as 13 celebrities with their pro dancer partners vie for a chance to win the Mirrorball trophy of season 16.

Check out "DWTS" when it airs on ABC Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST.