We are just leaving the finale and we're on our way to go out for a birthday dinner we're having for Jewel, and then we're going to the after party. I thought it was a really fun show to watch tonight.
It was down to the three finalists and you got to see everybody's best dance. They were all so good that it was just a matter of waiting to see how America would vote. To me, that's what is fun about this show because, in the end, it was America who decided.
All three had different strengths in different areas.
I thought that Shawn would be hard to beat. What is there to not like about her? She's only 17, she won an Olympic gold medal for this country, sweet as can be, cute as a button, worked her butt off, danced great and was a pro, but you could say that about Gilles and Melissa also.
They all did a great job and it's amazing that it came down to less than one percent, so anybody that doesn't think their votes mattered got proved wrong tonight--again. I mean, you're talking about millions and millions of people calling in and even more millions of votes.
Chelsie and I had fun tonight and that was our last dance so I'm officially retired!
Jewel and I are going to go back to the slow dance, where you just sway back and forth, because it's a lot easier to choreograph and it doesn't take near as much practice.
I really to thank everybody again for getting behind us and I'm not just saying that as a pat answer.
Chelsie and I both really could feel how much everybody was behind us and cheering us on. We hope everybody had as much fun as we did and I feel like with the help of the entire cowboy army the entire cowboy nation really got represented well on one of the biggest pop culture shows in America.
That's great and that's what we set out to do and now I need everybody to help me in my charge to start getting cowboys recognized for an ESPY Award. I think it's a crime that cowboys and bull riders aren't considered for an ESPY Award, so that's going to be our new challenge to tackle.
I will continue – as I did before "Dancing with the Stars" – to do a weekly blog. It's about my sport and my love for my sport so I invite everybody to keep checking in with me here because I love reading through all your comments.
Until then, I'll talk to you later.
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It was GREAT seeing you & Chelsie dance again tonight!! Ya'll are the ONLY reason I watched!! You both looked so good out there and you looked sooo happy and relaxed!!:) I'm sad for me and all your fans but I'm soo glad for you and Jewel that you are going back to your surroundings where you are happiest.:)
I loved seeing u tonight but I got soooo frustrated when they cut you off in midsentence during your interview part after your dance to show the clip of the finalists!!:( GRRR!!!;) I know....Quack, Quack...lol.
Will continue reading and enjoying your blogs.
Tam
THANKS TY AND CHELSIE FOR A GREAT 11 WEEK RUN. YOU DID WONDERFULLY. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR COMMANDER OF THE COWBOY ARMY. CHELSIE YOU HAD A ROUGH, TOUGH COWBOY TO TEACH DANCE. I AM SURE HE WOULD HAVE RATHER BEEN RIDING BULLS ANY DAY THEN DANCING.
THANKS CHELSIE FOR TEACHING AND KEPT AFTER HIM IN DANCE. ARE YOU GOING TO BE AT THE NEXT PBR EVENT AFTER SUMMER? I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A ROUSING FAN FAIR WITH CONFETTI, RIDING ON A WHITE HORSE.
JEWEL, HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
THANKS AGAIN TY AND CHELSIE FOR A GREAT TIME.
TY,
WHAT IS THIS" ESPY" AWARD ?
You truly are the King of the Cowboys.
The Okie tumbleweed
You are an amazing person and words just can not begin to convey how PROUD we are of you and what you accomplished on this show. Your attitude and perseverance and work ethic are impeccable and both conveyed a message to all watching what it means to never give up and give it your all!
Thank you Thank you Thank you for taking us with you on this journey and I hope to get to see you at Mohegan Sun this year. I am hoping that my Dad will be with me too!
Let us (the troops) know what is needed to get through to the ESPY people and we will help any way we can!
I as well as the others will miss reading your blog every day but like you said it's time to start moving forward. You can count on me to help along with every one else to help get all our cowboys and bull riders recognized.
I was wondering about getting a petition started and signed at all events. What do you think? Let me know..I'm in for the long haul.
Brenda
Thanks again for sharing your remarkable journey on DWTS with all of us. It was great to see you and Chelsie dance again. Your Army is still out there, though now in "reserve". Please let us know details of how we can help get cowboys and bullriders recognized in the ESPY awards. We are ready to e-mail, write or call. Just let us know we can be most effective, and who to contact to get the best results.
Good Ride Cowboy, Good Ride!
Scaredy Cat
I think you are underestimating how much you reached people outside of the cowboy and rodeo lifestyle. I know you’ve consistently attributed your staying power on the show to how strong this segment of the fanbase was for you. I actually think your coalition of fans that got behind you was much, much wider than you think. Plenty of people who have never rode on top of a horse before, or wear a Stetson, or own boots were part of your Army. And, yes, now admire that Western / Rodeo segment you came from much more than before the show.
It had nothing to do with your background and what state you represented. It had everything to do with the type of person you are, how much your sincerity came across effortlessly, and how much people admired your character alone, even with no clue about anything to do with the Western lifestyle. I know I fit that bill, as did many who I know were fanatically behind you. Your spirit embodied something very pure and honorable and steadfast, something unexpected in a tongue-in-cheek show like Dancing with the Stars. I’ve been watching this show for all its seasons simply to make money off of it by betting and never cared about any of the contestants as anything other than horses in a race. You and Chelsie actually brought a level of pleasure and excitement I would have bet I’d never would have gotten from this show.
You really have created something very artistic and beautiful these past months. It’s not the dancing itself I’m talking about. It’s the creation of joy in people watching you, the pride in seeing what you represent succeed, the emotional exhilaration in experiencing the journey with you through your words and deeds, and being a part of your team. You claim you have no artistic abilities at all, yet you really have created what all great artists strive to achieve: generating emotion in others. I thank you for that, and I too mean that with all sincerity and not just as a pat response.
Throughout my comments, I’ve tried to give you some suggestions that I really felt were beneficial to you on the show. I’ll give one more. I suggest you get your blog entries that you created during this show, and all the comments for each of them, printed out and bound in a nice leather book. I think one day, perhaps in a year, perhaps in a decade, you will open that book and relive this time in your life with incredible fondness and pride, seeing how both you and your fanbase grew with each passing week, and how much this experience has meant to both to you and to us.
It’s been a genuine pleasure getting to know you, Ty.
Thanks for all of these awesome blogs! It really was sooooo cool getting such a behind the scenes look. Between your blogs, Jewel's blogs, tweeting and twitpic'ing, we were all in heaven!! THANK YOU BOTH!!!
Much love,
Ashley
*Salutes Ty*
I did some quick research on the ESPY awards, and it is very surprising that bull riders and rodeo in general haven't been included. You'd think that there would at least be an individual award for them, seeing as there are awards for Best Jockey, Driver, Bowler, Action Sport (ex. Snow boarding), Outdoor Sport (ex. Mountain Climbing), etc. Let us know where the best place is to voice our opinion.
This was my very first voting experience, I did it for you and the Cowboy Army. I won't be voting again, unless Ty has another chore for the Army. ESPY here we come!
DWTS - First isn't Shawn a little spit-fire, she improved so much from week one also. In her freestyle you could see her personality with also showed the persoanlity that she brought to each of the other dances. I am happy that she won.
PBR - Good move IMHO to give Dr. Tandy Freeman the final call on if a cowboy rides. Some times competitors can't see what is past their nose and don't see the long term big picture.
WOW on Cody Lambert for the pens of Bulls he has been putting together the last few weeks. There are no easy pens, just hard and harder.
You did a great job last night and through out the whole show. You represented us well. Just a thought, if Flint can't work at one of the up comming PBR events, You could always fill in for him. Just a thought. Have a save trip home to Texas!! Wishing you well.
God Bless Paula
DWTS was great this season and you and Chelsie and Jewel made is special for your fans.
Take care
I just wanted to tell you one more time how much fun it was to have you on the show. I don't think you realize the impact that you have made with all of us. You were a joy and the true spirit of the season. I'm so glad that you are going to continue blogging, I love reading your take on things...well I guess it's time for you and Jewel to take a much deserved rest. Thanks again for just being you! :)
Oh and one more thing, I can't wait to get my bumper sticker, I'm still going to put it on my truck to remind me of the best season ever with our tough cowboy who laughed in the rumba's face! LOL!
I was not going to vote for anyone this week since you weren't on the show anymore but after Shawn and Mark danced their freestyle I just couldn't resist. I am so happy they won!
Look forward to continuing to read your blogs and learning more about the PBR.
Thank you so much for all you have done that is outside what your 'responsibility' as a Celebrity Dancer. You both went well beyond and made us feel like we were really apart of it and not just 'watching'. I was born in the era of the cowboy was the Romance of the West (Born 1940) and the West and Cowboys have 'Always' been a big humble part of my inner-being and you brought it back out to the fore front and renewed a part of my essence that I didn't even know I had lost. I saw a Rodeo in Cheyenne WY when I was 10 (Roy Rogers was there). I live in Bonifay, FL and read every Western novel, Robert Parker, Margaret Coel etc. but it's you two, with pictures of Jewel childhood home and your bio about Stephenville that has brought me full circle. Thank you, thank you, thank you and YES I will do ALL that one small person can do to help bring cowboys to ESPY. And, I will read your blog every week. You've brought me that much joy. Sally Beth
However, my family and friends and co-workers that I got interested in the show to vote for you and Chelsie agree that now that you and Chelsie, and Jewel will not longer be on the show we won't be watching. But of course we didn't watch before you were on. It was a lot of fun to watch you every week and to be pulling for you and voting. It was great fun!!
Thank you for all your hard work. I know a lot of positive attention was brought to the BPR.
Wish Jewel a Happy Birthday!!
Congrats on the DWTS season! I looked forward to watching you and Chelsie dance each week! I wasn't familiar with you before, but now I've had so much fun. You have a great attitude and are pretty funny. I voted for you, and I never have voted on any show before!!
Thanks for taking us on a fun journey! Enjoy dancing retirement - you deserve it!
Alex
So glad to here from you, I had to look up ESPY Awards. I feel you are right the cowboys & bull riders they should be considered. I think there are many people out here like me who knew nothing about ESPY;however, if you need peop;e to help just give us a yell.
I was good seeing you dance one last time, will look for you when the PBR comes back from vacation. Thanks again for letting us get to know you and Jewel.
From Grandma in the Ty Army
Keep on writing, and I will keep on reading.
See you on versus!
Thank YOU for including us in your life! I am almost ashamed that it took ten weeks of dancing for America to learn who the greatest Cowboy in the World is, but I guess the Lord works in mysterious ways and in his own timing. Great to hear we can still talk PBR and bulls, cuz thats what we all love! Tell Jewel "Happy Birthday" from the FAN FAMILY. Our youngest will turn three on the 25th. He decided that the theme would be a "G" party because his name starts with "G" - therefore, everything (or close to it) at the party will start with the letter "G". He commented in the car on the way to the Pueblo event last week, that Guilherme will have to be there since he is my son's favorite rider AND his name also starts with"G". I guess Josh or J.B. will have to be at Jewel's party.
Blessings to you both!
Here's a thought for you. The Army is assembled and will gladly wait while you catch your breath, THEN we get going on the ESPY. General Ty, the Army awaits your command.
We CAN do it. What do you say Troops?
Thanks for making Season 8 so much fun to watch. Glad you and Chelsie got to do the Lindy Hop again, that was a fantastic dance both times and I really enjoyed seeing it again. I've been a DWTS viewer for the past 3 seasons but this is the first time I've really felt motivated to cheer on a particular competitor and vote my little fingers off on his behalf!
Wow, I had no idea rodeo competitors weren't eligible for ESPY awards. What is that about? Even though I don't know much about riding events, I do know that it takes a lot of strength and specialized skill. That should be recognized, and seriously, if everyone in the Cowboy Army were to send just one email or letter to ESPN (FYI, general support of the sport, or for a particular athlete will get a lot more attention than 'Because Ty was on DWTS and he told me to...' <g>), they would almost certainly rethink their policy on the realization that there may be an untapped fanbase out there.
BTW, I just found out that the 'Built Ford Tough' series will be in my home town this October . Think I'm gonna check this new (for me) sport out in person. :)
Glad you are going to get back to Texas. Earthquakes are still happening in Ca.
Enjoyed you and Chelsie dancing last night. You looked sooooooooooooooo relaxed and now you can retire.
Your horse probably has forgotten who you are.
I watch DWTS most of the time but it was special with you and Jewel on there. Hope maybe she can try out again. She was your support.
Have a safe summer.
Will be checking on here for your blogs.
I didn't know anything about PBR before and I'm not much of a sports person, but I'll look forward to reading your blogs and finding more about bull riding. My congratulations again for coming on such a crazy show as this and changing it for the better instead of letting it change you.
Glad you are homeward bound. Know you are ready. I'm in on getting cowboys recognized for an ESPY Award. Long overdue. Whatever you need, your Army is ready. Just let us know. I 'm sure we are scattered around the country so that will help in promoting whatever, whenever in every state. Have a safe trip home and look forward to your next blog. I'm not ready to give ya'll up. Stay in touch!!!
We miss Ya'll already,
Blondemare
let us know what to do to help you with the ESPY awards.
last night was so much fun watching you and chelsie dance for the last time, happy retirement and GOD SPEED my friend and remember to always keep on keeping on
Thank you for taking all the time to blog -greatly appreciated and am looking forward to you contuining it. The show was fantastic - Shawn and Mark will be great champions - and yes America decided!! You and Chelsie looked wonderful dancing and having fun. Happy Birthday Jewel! And I bet that ranch is going to look like heaven!!
Secondly, Ty it was great what you did for the PBR and that you continue to do the most that you can to get the cowboys recognized, as they should be.
I will continue to check out your blog and look forward to hearing more from you!
We are a force to be reckoned with just tell us how to take the next hill.
I am as persistent as they come. My supervisor gives me difficult cases to prosecute because she says I am her bull dog. I get a hold of a case and never let go.
I am ready to get hold of another pant leg and hold on tight. My email is totalpo@aol.com Soldier Po
Thank you to you, Chelsie and Jewel for making this season of DWTS the most memorable out of the seasons I've watched so far. I will surely miss your self-deprecating sense of humour on the show. You had me laughing hard at your one-liners and your rumba solo for Jewel was one of the cutest and sweetest things a man could do for his wife.
I look forward to reading more of your blogs and learning more about the PBR. Good luck with the next challenge. I'm behind ya 100%.
Thank you for making season 8 of Dancing with the Stars one of the best. Ty, I'm glad to hear that you will keep blogging. I must admit that I'm going to miss having you on my TV screen every week. You were a lot of fun to watch and I was glad to have this opportunity to get to know you better.
Your loyal fan (and army member),
Emma
PS: Give my thanks to Jewel for keeping us updated as well.
When I heard that you were going to be on DWTS, I was excited, because I had been a fan of the PBR for a few years and I had the utmost respect for your accomplishments and opinions. I knew going in that you would have the determination, put forth the effort and be a great representative for professional rodeo and bullriding. But I didn't expect that you would be charming and funny and adorable. I really didn't expect that you could be silly and vulnerable. And the leopard-print bathrobe, the spray tan, SHIRTLESS in front of 25 million viewers?! Never in a million years. I'm guessing from some of Jewel's and Kerri's comments that the Ty Murray we've seen on DWTS is the Ty that they know, and that somehow this crazy show has given you the chance and
maybe the confidence to show your real self to the world. You may never dance another step, but I hope that the person we've watched for the past eleven weeks won't disappear just because you are now an officially retired dancer. Thank you for it all- the effort, the commitment,
the determination, the humor and the candor, the guts and the glory- and thanks to the beautiful Jewel and to
Chelsie, that darling girl. It has been a heck of a ride.
All my love, Kerri
I just want to join in with all the others to say thank you so much for all the fun these past weeks. I've said it before, I know it's just a TV show, but something just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Maybe it was the daily blogs that made us all feel so much a part of your experience. Maybe it was your fierce determination and steady improvement. Maybe it was your great sense of humor. I think it was all this and so much more. I agree with Irvine John that it was not just the cowboy nation behind you, but people like me, who didn't know you before and are now fans for life because of the way you conducted yourself.
To Jewel, thanks for all your additions and insights along the way. I think more of us are married to the "Here hold this" kind of guys than the other kind (at least in my circles) so I thank you for that great story.
To Chelsie, you did a great job. This was my first season watching DWTS and if I tune in again it'll just be to follow you. The two of you put a lot of hard work into dancing, in the end, I hope you all had as much fun doing the show as we had watching. Thanks for the ride.
~~~~~~~~~~~~WELCOME HOME~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~now go say hi to your horse, feed the cows and grab your pole and go fishing !!!
KEEP ON KEEPING ON
Thanks for bringing us along on your DWTS journey through your blogs. You really built a community and in this day and age that is quite something. You said that you've retired as a dancer except for the "sway," well I hope you remember some of the steps because the Waltz, Salsa, Tango might just come in handy at a wedding or a party at the ranch or just in private moments with Jewel.
I don't really follow sports, except for USC Football, and never really thought about rodeo not being recognized. Now that I know a bit more about the physical and mental strength and training that goes into doing rodeo, I agree that some recognition is overdue.
Even though I love living in LA, I know from family who live in Colorado and Montana that they really miss the wide open space of home after having spent some time here visiting. To me one of the best things about Spring is the air. I love to open the windows and have a fresh breeze blow through the house. The air is just the right temperature and has the sweet scent of spring flowers (here it is jasmine). And there is nothing better than sleeping in your own bed at night.
And Happy Birthday to Jewel! I am a Gemini too, just 4 days after her.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It was a pleasure to meet you and Chelsie at the Saddle Ranch. Now you can get back to the work of ranching and enjoying time with friends and family. Take care.
Cheers -- YellowCatTail
Did you change that in a hurry! You quickly became my very favorite star of all time!! Every week, I looked so forward to seeing you and Chelsie dance. I think though, the interviews you did is why I and America fell in love with you. Your honest, down to earth cowboy all-American attitude was so refreshing...Thank you for your dedication and never giving up! In my book, you were the winner by far!! I wish you and Jewel all the best..God bless you always!
You made me Texas Proud on DWTS. I was married to man with you sense of pride fro 40 years before he went to his maker. You would have made him proud. I loved Chelsea when she was on So You Think I Can Dance. Lacey was a favorite the year before Chelsea