Derek Hough is mourning the death of Romie, his longtime dog and companion, after sharing an emotional tribute on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The Dancing with the Stars judge posted a video of Romie outside the family home and captioned it with a brief farewell: “I will love you forever.”
Hough’s message described Romie as a constant presence through major chapters of his life, including his career, marriage to Hayley Erbert Hough and the birth of their daughter, Everley.
Table of Contents
Derek Hough remembers Romie as a lifelong companion
Derek Hough said Romie came into his life when he was still trying to find his way and remained beside him through both difficult and happy periods.
He recalled how the dog had seen him grow up, fall in love and become a husband.
Hough also wrote that, as Romie’s health declined, he hoped his dog would hold on long enough to meet his “little sister,” referring to Everley.
According to the tribute, Romie did remain part of the family long enough to meet the child.
Hough said waking up without Romie felt unreal and that he continued looking toward the part of the yard where the dog would usually appear.
He did not announce a specific cause of death.
Romie’s health had worsened earlier in October
The goodbye followed several updates about Romie’s declining health.
Earlier in October, Hough shared that his dog was not doing well and said he had been sleeping on the floor beside him for several nights.
That update gave followers a glimpse of the bond between Hough and Romie, who had been with him for roughly 14 to 15 years based on Hough’s public comments.
Hough later posted a reflective message about finding something beautiful even during painful moments, without confirming that Romie had died at that time.
The October 25 post made the loss public and prompted condolences from fans and members of the Dancing with the Stars community.
Hough continues work on Dancing with the Stars
Hough remains part of the judging panel on the 2026 season of Dancing with the Stars alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
The current season of Dancing with the Stars is airing live on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes airing mostly on Tuesdays during the fall run, aside from a Monday, November 2, episode.
Hough is also preparing for his Dance for the Holidays tour, which is scheduled to begin in November and continue into early 2027.
The tour’s official schedule includes performances in several U.S. cities, including Seattle, El Cajon, Cedar Park, Pensacola, Charlotte, Bethlehem, Atlantic City, Nashville and Las Vegas.
It was not immediately clear whether Hough’s personal loss would affect any upcoming television or tour appearances.
A public farewell to a private family member
Hough’s tribute focused on Romie’s place in the family rather than on medical details.
His comments portrayed the dog as a companion who stayed with him through professional success, personal change and the formation of a new family.
That framing has resonated with many pet owners who view the death of a longtime animal companion as the loss of a close family member.
For now, Hough has offered no further details about memorial plans or Romie’s cause of death.
His public message ended with thanks for the years they shared and a final goodbye to the dog he called his “Romie Boy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Derek Hough’s dog Romie?
Derek Hough announced on October 25, 2026, that Romie had died and shared an emotional tribute to his longtime companion.
How long had Romie been with Derek Hough?
Hough’s public comments indicated that Romie had been with him for roughly 14 to 15 years.
Did Derek Hough reveal Romie’s cause of death?
No. Hough discussed Romie’s declining health but did not publicly disclose a specific cause of death.
Is Derek Hough still a judge on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes. Hough remains a judge on the 2026 season alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
Does Derek Hough have upcoming tour dates?
Yes. His Dance for the Holidays tour is scheduled to begin in November 2026 and continue into early 2027.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, Hough’s public tribute, his Dancing with the Stars role and tour information were checked against official programme and tour sources, with the loss details corroborated by contemporaneous reports of his social-media announcement. The 2026 Dancing with the Stars schedule includes a Monday, November 2, 2026 episode before Tuesday broadcasts resume on November 10. ([help.abc.com](https://help.abc.com/article/abc-dancing-with-the-stars-on-abc-and-disney?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: This article reports only the details Hough has publicly shared and does not speculate about Romie’s medical condition or cause of death.