During a poignant Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars, esteemed judge Carrie Ann Inaba offered a rare, emotional glimpse into her personal life, confessing she has “never had kids.” Her candid reflection came after a moving performance by Robert Irwin, highlighting the profound impact family themes have on the show’s judges and its dedicated audience.
Dancing With the Stars, the beloved reality dance competition that has captivated audiences since 2005, is known for its blend of dazzling choreography, celebrity transformations, and deeply personal stories. Season 34’s Dedication Night once again brought forth a wave of emotion, as contestants honored their loved ones through dance. However, it was a rare and deeply personal comment from longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba that resonated most profoundly with fans, offering an intimate insight into her own journey with family.
A Judge’s Vulnerability: Inaba’s Emotional Confession
Following a moving contemporary dance performance by Robert Irwin in honor of his mother, Terri Irwin, on October 14, 2025, Carrie Ann Inaba delivered a critique that transcended mere scores and technique. “You know, I’ve never had kids,” she shared from the judges’ table, a rare and vulnerable admission for the usually composed judge. She continued, “But Terri, I have to say, if I could’ve had kids, I would like him to be like Robert. Your son is an impressive man, and it shows in his dancing. You’re so honest and open, and you are always connecting with the audience. It was really beautiful.” This moment, reported by Us Weekly, provided an unexpected yet profound insight into Inaba’s personal world.
This heartfelt statement highlights the emotional depth that Dedication Night often brings out in everyone involved with the show. For Carrie Ann Inaba, who has been a constant presence on the judging panel since the show’s inception in 2005, her personal life is often kept private, making this confession all the more significant. The show, known globally, is based on the British series “Strictly Come Dancing,” featuring celebrities partnered with professional dancers in weekly elimination rounds as detailed by IMDb.
Redefining Family: Inaba’s Broader Perspective
While Inaba’s on-air comment was a rare public moment, it aligns with her previously shared sentiments about what family means to her. In a social media post, Inaba once shared a photo of her mother, her “spiritual daughter,” and her beloved dogs, accompanied by a poignant message. She wrote, “Family. Sometimes it doesn’t look like what we thought it was supposed to look like… it’s better.” This reflection underscores a theme of embracing unconventional forms of family and letting go of predefined expectations.
Her message continued, “As we grow older, we learn that many things are meant to be unlearned. Unteaching ourselves things that other people — who loved us — taught us. We let go of what isn’t ours and then we start over. Often feeling depleted from trying to live a life that wasn’t our own.” This philosophy provides a broader context for her emotional revelation on Dancing With the Stars, suggesting a deep personal understanding of self-acceptance and finding joy in one’s unique path.
The Emotional Echoes of Dedication Night
Inaba was not the only judge deeply affected by Dedication Night’s focus on family. Fellow judge Derek Hough, who is expecting his first baby with wife Hayley Erbert, struggled to hold back tears after Robert Irwin’s dance. “The love I have for your family,” Hough expressed. “I just have so much love for you guys. Man, I’m so proud of you. I really am. You’ve become such an amazing man. And the world needs the Irwin family.” Guest judge Kym Johnson-Herjavec, who shares twins with Robert Herjavec, also praised Terri Irwin, saying, “just the love that you have for your family and you’re just an incredible woman.”
These shared sentiments from the judges underscore the powerful impact of familial bonds and connections, which are often at the core of the performances on Dancing With the Stars. The show has a history of contestants opening up about deeply personal experiences, making it a platform for both artistic expression and emotional resonance.
Beyond Robert Irwin, other contestants also paid heartfelt tributes during the emotional evening:
- Jordan Chiles honored her father.
- Jen Affleck paid tribute to her mother.
- Dylan Efron recognized a family member.
- Alix Earle celebrated a family connection.
- Andy Richter dedicated his dance to a loved one.
- Whitney Leavitt performed for a family member.
- Scott Hoying recognized a family figure.
Dancing With the Stars continues to air on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, consistently providing moments of both breathtaking dance and profound human connection.
