Carrie Ann Inaba has shared a deeply personal and emotional update about her beloved dog Peanut, revealing her grief through raw, evocative artwork — a moment that has moved fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Carrie Ann Inaba, the beloved judge on Dancing with the Stars, has opened up about her profound grief over her aging dog Peanut, sharing a deeply personal and artistic expression of her sorrow. In a candid Instagram post on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Inaba described the emotional weight of watching Peanut, her cherished companion, struggle with serious health issues — including heart problems and breathing difficulties — that have significantly diminished his quality of life.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime,” Inaba wrote in her post, which quickly went viral. “We are going to make it through this chapter. But I’m not going to lie, it’s devastating to know we are getting close. There are so many emotions. Sorrow taking the top level and dripping down on everything else making it all so heavy. Yet so rich with love.”
Inaba’s raw honesty resonated with fans and followers, many of whom responded with messages of love and support. “Sending you much love,” one person wrote. “Holding space,” another added. The outpouring of empathy underscored the deep bond Inaba shares with Peanut — a bond that extends beyond the typical pet-owner relationship.
Inaba’s post included a powerful piece of artwork she created — a painting she described as a therapeutic outlet for her intense emotions. “I’m devastated. Exhausted. Broken hearted. Raw,” she wrote. “I needed a release or I would shatter. Art has always been my way to cope with my intense emotions. I brought in the canvas I have been wanting to paint last night. And I just said, I’m need to paint out my emotions. And as I primed the canvas with black paint, your face (mouth area) started to peek through from the darkness. Art doesn’t lie. This is what I was feeling inside.”
The painting, which fans were able to view in the post, visually captures the emotional weight Inaba is carrying — with Peanut’s face emerging from darkness, symbolizing both the pain of loss and the enduring love she feels. Inaba also shared a video of Peanut, allowing fans to see the similarities between the artwork and the real dog.
Carrie Ann Inaba is not only known for her role on Dancing with the Stars, but also for her deep affection for her three dogs — Peanut, Lola, and Buddy — whom she affectionately calls her “babies.” In June 2025, she had previously asked fans to pray for Buddy, who was also facing health challenges. That moment, now seen in context, adds another layer to the emotional journey she and her family are navigating.
While Peanut has not yet crossed the rainbow bridge, Inaba’s openness about her grief — and her decision to channel it into art — has struck a chord with fans. Her vulnerability, combined with her signature grace and emotional intelligence, has once again reminded audiences why she is so beloved.
As fans continue to send messages of support, Inaba’s story is a poignant reminder of the deep emotional connections we form with our pets — and how art can become a powerful medium for processing grief and love.
For more on Carrie Ann Inaba’s journey with her dogs and her emotional expression, visit Parade — the original source of this report.
Don’t miss the latest from onlytrustedinfo.com — your go-to source for the fastest, most authoritative entertainment analysis.
