Cody Linley Says Goodbye To ‘Dancing,’ Julianne Hough

Updated 12:48 AM CST, Wed, Nov 19, 2008

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Former “Hannah Montana” star Cody Linley was given his send off on Tuesday night’s “Dancing With the Stars.”

Cody’s partner Julianne, who skipped two weeks of competition this season to recover from surgery for appendicitis and endometriosis, returned this week, but it wasn’t enough to keep the 18-year-old from going home. Despite failing to make the “DWTS” finals, which begin next week, Cody said he gained a great deal from his time on the show.

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“Oh my gosh, words can’t even explain the true amazing, growing, learning journey that I’ve had on this show,” the wide-eyed young man told “DWTS” co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris.

And in typical Cody fashion, his parting words included major praise for his beautiful partner.

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“I can’t show my appreciation any more to Julianne. I can’t say thank you. It’s just, I love her so much,” he gushed. “This opportunity was so amazing – ABC, the judges critiques, I mean, everything and especially the fans… Just to know that my [dancing] can inspire someone to be happy or to want to dance or just bring entertainment to one person is amazing.”

And Julianne too offered her praise of the young star.

“I’m so proud of you,” the pro said as she hugged Cody. “I’ve had such an amazing time with you. This has been probably the biggest journey any of these couples have had out here… I cannot wait to see what his opportunities are going to be after the show.”

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But while Cody said goodbye, couples Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson, Brooke Burke and Derek Hough, and Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer all learned they would battle it out for the mirror ball trophy, a title currently held by last season’s winning pair – Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas.

“Oh my gosh,” Lance raved when he learned he was being sent to the finals. “This is like, the best moment ever. This is great!”

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