Dancing With the Stars’ annual Dedication Night caused some of the judges to reflect on their own family lives.
After Robert Irwin performed a contemporary dance in honor of his mom, Terri Irwin, on Tuesday, October 14, Carrie Ann Inaba couldn’t help but open up about her own personal life.
“You know, I’ve never had kids,” she shared from the judges table. “But Terri, I have to say, if I could’ve had kids, I would like him to be like Robert. Your son is an impressive man, and it shows in his dancing. You’re so honest and open, and you are always connecting with the audience. It was really beautiful.”
While Inaba, 57, has tried to keep her private life far away from the ballroom, the choreographer has previously spoken out about what family means to her.
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In a social media post, Inaba shared a photo of her mom, her “spiritual daughter” and her dogs.
“Family. Sometimes it doesn’t look like what we thought it was supposed to look like… it’s better,” she wrote via Instagram on January 3. “But why is it better? As we grow older, we learn that many things are meant to be unlearned. Unteaching ourselves things that other people — who loved us — taught us. We let go of what isn’t ours and then we start over. Often feeling depleted from trying to live a life that wasn’t our own.”
When kicking off 2025, Inaba was left with gratitude for starting a new year with people she loves and adores.
“I’m happy for this very simple moment we had,” she added. “Sharing love, dreams and puppy kisses.”
Inaba wasn’t the only judge to reflect on family during Dancing With the Stars’ Dedication Night.
After Robert, 21, and his partner, Witney Carson, danced to “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins, Derek Hough — who is expecting a baby with his wife Hayley Erbert — tried to hold back tears before delivering his score.
“The love I have for your family,” he told Robert. “I just have so much love for you guys. Man, I’m so proud of you. I really am. You’ve become such an amazing man. And the world needs the Irwin family.”
Guest judge Kym Johnson-Herjavec — who shares twins with Robert Herjavec — added, “[Terri,] just the love that you have for your family and you’re just an incredible woman. I’m going to come and talk to you later and get some tips on how you raised such great kids.”
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Robert wasn’t the only contestant to pay tribute to family during Tuesday night’s emotional show.
Jordan Chiles honored her father while The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck paid tribute to her mom. Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, Andy Richter, Whitney Leavitt and Scott Hoying also recognized family members during their dances.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
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