KEY POINT
- Derek Hough said goodbye to Romie after 14 years together, sharing a heartfelt farewell on Instagram.
- Romie accompanied Hough through important personal milestones, including his marriage to Hayley Erbert and the arrival of their daughter.
- Jenna Dewan, Amy Purdy and other members of the Dancing with the Stars community offered condolences.
Hough’s Instagram tribute reflected the deep bond he shared with Romie, who entered his life when he was still trying to find his direction. Recalling those early years, the professional dancer explained that it was initially just the two of them.
According to Hough, Romie remained by his side through both difficult periods and happier times. He credited the dog with giving him a sense of purpose when he struggled to find it himself, highlighting the companionship that shaped their relationship.
Romie also witnessed Hough’s relationship with his wife, Hayley Erbert, develop into marriage. As the dog grew older and began showing signs of fatigue, Hough asked him to hold on long enough to meet the couple’s daughter.
Hough said Romie kept that promise. Their first child, Everley Capri Hough, was born in December 2025, giving the dog an opportunity to meet his younger human companion.
The loss has left Hough struggling with the everyday absence of his longtime friend. He described waking up without Romie as feeling unreal and recalled seeing the dog walking near the bushes in their yard.
Those familiar surroundings now serve as reminders of a companion who had been part of his daily routine for more than a decade.
In his farewell message, Hough expressed gratitude for the years they shared, acknowledging that the pain of losing Romie reflected the depth of their bond.
He also shared a photograph on Instagram Stories showing himself with the dog beside a sign for dog adoption, capturing a moment connected to the beginning of their life together.
Hough’s tribute prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues and friends. Within the first hour of the Instagram post appearing, it had received more than 75,000 likes and over 6,000 comments.
Season 35 contestant Jenna Dewan offered sympathy, describing Romie as Hough’s angel spirit. Fellow contestant Amber Glenn also expressed condolences, acknowledging the profound pain of losing a beloved pet.
Hough’s former dance partner, Amy Purdy, shared a message of support for him and Erbert.
She reflected on the special place dogs hold in people’s lives and recognized the difficulty of saying goodbye to a companion who has witnessed so many personal chapters.
Other commenters included Sasha Farber, Pasha Pashkov, Emma Slater and Debbie Schwartz, Erbert’s mother.
For Hough, Romie’s legacy remains rooted in the companionship, purpose and unconditional affection he experienced throughout their 14 years together. His farewell made clear that although their time together has ended, the relationship remains an enduring part of his life.
