Derek Hough mourns dog Romie after 14 years together

Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough has announced the death of his dog Romie, who had been by his side for 14 years.

Hough shared the news on Instagram on Sunday 25 October, posting a video of Romie with a tribute describing the dog as his constant through the years. He said Romie had been with him as he grew up, fell in love and became a husband, and had held on long enough to meet his baby sister.

Hough adopted Romie from a Los Angeles rescue in 2012, PEOPLE reported. His wife, former Dancing with the Stars troupe member Hayley Erbert Hough, also paid tribute to Romie, and the couple’s daughter Everley was born in December 2025.

Fellow Dancing with the Stars figures were among those offering condolences in the comments, Extra reported, including judge Carrie Ann Inaba and former host Tom Bergeron.

Hough closed his tribute by saying he would love Romie forever.

Sources: PEOPLE, https://people.com/derek-hough-mourns-death-of-his-dog-romie-12193491 ; Parade, https://parade.com/news/dwts-judge-derek-hough-suffers-unbearable-loss-i-will-love-you-forever ; Extra, https://extratv.com/2026/10/25/derek-hough-mourns-the-loss-of-his-beloved-dog/ ; TV Insider, https://www.tvinsider.com/1299601/dwts-derek-hough-mourns-devastating-family-loss-dog-romie/