Cowboy Ty Rides into 'Dancing' Sunset

The votes are in -- and rodeo champ Ty Murray has been asked to giddy-up off the dance floor.

Murray and partner Chelsie Hightower have had the lowest scores in "Dancing with the Stars" for weeks now, and while Ty was sent packing, the judging panel praised the cowboy for his hard work and dedication throughout the season. "If the others have climbed hills, you've climbed mountains," judge Len Goodman said. "With that dedication and work ethic, you've been a credit to everyone on the show." Carrie Ann Inaba agreed -- on Monday she called Murray "the most valuable player of season eight."

Murray, 39, has joked about his inability to dance throughout the entire competition. "Teaching me to dance is like trying to teach a blind guy to paint," he joked during the elimination.

When his name was announced, Murray received a standing ovation from the audience. Murray admitted that he always knew that dancing would be "a giant stretch," but that he had gained a new respect for moving on the floor.