After a promise to hold on just a little longer, the “Dancing With the Stars” judge’s lifelong companion lived to see the newest member of the family.
A Rescue Dog Who Came for One Night
Derek Hough’s story with Romie began in 2012, when the dancer volunteered to walk dogs at a Los Angeles rescue. He had not planned to adopt. Then one dog climbed onto his couch and settled into his lap, and that settled it.
A Companion Through Every Chapter
Romie arrived when Hough was still working out his path in life. He stayed through the rise of Hough’s career, his 2023 marriage to dancer Hayley Erbert, and the birth of their daughter, Everley Capri, in December 2025. The family also has another dog, Luna, and several cats.
Hough has said Romie gave him a sense of purpose at times when he couldn’t find one himself.
The Final Days
On October 14, Hough shared that Romie’s health was declining and that he had been sleeping on the floor next to the dog for days. Before the end, he asked Romie to hold on long enough to meet his new “little sister.”
Romie did. Erbert later shared a video of baby Everley crawling beside the old dog.
The Announcement
On October 25, 2026, Hough announced on Instagram that Romie had died. He described waking up and instinctively looking for the spot where his dog usually appeared. He admitted the pain felt unbearable, but called it “proof that love lived here fully.”
Erbert, who had known Romie for 11 years, paid her own tribute. She remembered him as a gentle giant who thought he was a lap dog, and as the leader of the family’s pack.
How to Cope When a Pet Dies
- Allow yourself to grieve. Many people feel a loss comparable to losing a family member, and that is normal.
- Create a ritual. A memorial, a photo album or a small ceremony helps many families say goodbye.
- Talk to someone. Friends, family or a pet-loss support group can help, as can a counselor if the grief feels overwhelming.
Remembering a Pet: Resources Worth Exploring
People going through pet loss, or caring for an aging dog, often look into:
- Memorial options. Compare pet cremation services, pet memorial products and custom pet portraits.
- Care for older dogs. Review pet insurance, senior dog food and orthopedic dog beds.
- Emotional support. Look into pet loss grief counseling and pet bereavement support groups.
- Giving back. Consider dog adoption, senior dog adoption programs and animal shelter donations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Derek Hough announce Romie’s death? On October 25, 2026, in an Instagram tribute.
How long was Romie with Derek Hough? Fourteen years, according to Hough’s own tribute.
Was Romie a rescue dog? Yes. Hough met him in 2012 while volunteering at a Los Angeles rescue.
Did Romie meet Hough’s daughter? Yes. Romie lived to meet Everley Capri, born in December 2025.
Who is Hayley Erbert? Hough’s wife and a professional dancer. They married in 2023.
Sources: Instagram posts by Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert, Extra, TV Insider, iHeartDogs, Entertainment Now, Entertainment Daily, and Just Jared, covering the October 2026 announcement and the earlier health update.
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