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Former Dancing With the Stars <\/i>musical director Harold Wheeler<\/b> has died<\/a>. He was 82.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are deeply saddened by the passing of Harold Wheeler, whose extraordinary talent and musicianship helped shape the early identity of Dancing With the Stars,<\/i>\u201d a Thursday, June 25, statement shared via the TV show\u2019s social media read. \u201cAs the show\u2019s musical director during\u00a0 its first nine years, Harold brought unparalleled artistry, passion and excellence to every live performance, helping create unforgettable moments for millions of viewers.\u201d<\/p>\n The statement continued, \u201cHis contributions were an integral part of the foundation of which the series was built, and his legacy will forever remain a cherished part of the Dancing With the Stars <\/i>family. <\/i>We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and those who had the privilege of working with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Wheeler, a renowned Broadway orchestrator, died on Wednesday, June 24, from an unspecified cause of death, according to The<\/i> Hollywood Reporter<\/i><\/span><\/a>. <\/i>Wheeler is survived by his wife, Hattie Winston<\/b>, their two daughters and multiple grandchildren.<\/p>\n The 10 Best \u2018Dancing With the Stars\u2019 Routines We Still Think About: From Bindi and Derek to Laurie and Val<\/a><\/p>\n After a renowned career on Broadway, the Tony Award winner conducted the orchestra on DWTS <\/i>for the first 17 seasons<\/a> of DWTS. <\/i>Wheeler is succeeded in the ballroom by Ray Chew.<\/b><\/p>\n \u201cOne of the greatest honors of my career came when the baton was passed at Dancing with the Stars<\/i>,\u201d Chew, 67, wrote in a social media tribute to Wheeler. \u201cHarold could not have been more gracious, offering me his blessing and encouragement as I stepped into the role he had shaped with such distinction. That meant more to me than words can express.\u201d<\/p>\n The DWTS <\/i>bandleader added, \u201cHis impact on this industry is immeasurable, but his impact on the people who had the privilege of knowing and working with him is even greater. Thank you, Harold, for your music, your leadership, your friendship, and the path you helped create for so many of us. You will be deeply missed, forever respected, and never forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018Dancing With the Stars\u2019 Season 1 Celebrities and Professional Dancers: Where Are They Now?<\/a><\/p>\n Former DWTS <\/i>host Tom Bergeron <\/b>also paid tribute to Wheeler\u2019s legacy after his death<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 2005, when you first heard the music of @dancingwiththestars, it was coming from Harold Wheeler and his orchestra,\u201d Bergeron, 71, wrote via Instagram<\/span><\/a>. \u201cNothing gave me greater pleasure than making him & his orchestra break up during dress rehearsals. Well, that & basking in the brilliance of their talent. #RIP my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n DWTS <\/i>season 18 contestant Danica McKellar <\/b>offered her condolences in the comments section of Bergeron\u2019s post, writing, \u201cOh wow. He was wonderful!! Thank you for this. RIP.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n