Dylan Efron, brother of Hollywood star Zac Efron, has captivated audiences on Dancing with the Stars season 34 not only with his dance moves but also with his candid insights into balancing the demanding competition with his deep relationship with girlfriend Courtney King and his heartfelt family aspirations, including hints of a future marriage proposal and desire for children.
The glitz and glamour of Dancing with the Stars often conceal the intense personal journeys unfolding beneath the surface. This season, Dylan Efron, known to many as the younger brother of Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron, has offered fans a rare glimpse into the profound emotional and personal balancing act required to compete on the hit ABC and Disney+ show. His candid discussions about his relationship with girlfriend Courtney King, his family bonds, and his future dreams have resonated deeply, transforming his journey into more than just a dance competition.
The Heart Behind the Moves: Dylan and Courtney King’s Enduring Connection
For Dylan Efron, the road through Dancing with the Stars season 34 has been a testament to resilience, but he’s quick to acknowledge the unseen sacrifices made by those closest to him. In a heartfelt conversation on the “Viall Files” podcast, the 33-year-old admitted that the intense training schedule – involving five-hour daily rehearsals with his professional partner Daniella Karagach and a temporary relocation away from their Manhattan Beach home – has created strain. Yet, he emphasized that this period has been “tougher on Courtney King than me,” a poignant admission highlighting his girlfriend’s unwavering support.
Their relationship, which began in high school and was publicly confirmed by Dylan in March on a previous “Viall Files” appearance, has paradoxically strengthened with his increased public profile. Dylan notes that brand partnerships and work opportunities now allow them to explore the world together, enhancing their bond. Courtney, who maintains a private life with a regular 40-hour work week and a preference to stay off social media, fully understands Dylan’s public career. Dylan lovingly clarified, “It’s not, like, I’m hiding her from the world or anything… She understands the job, all the stuff. She doesn’t really like being on camera.” This mutual respect for individuality and shared understanding forms the bedrock of their partnership.
Looking ahead, Dylan hinted at a significant next step for the couple. “She knows the answer. We’re working on it,” he shared with a smile, referring to a potential marriage proposal. He deeply values Courtney’s patience and down-to-earth nature, emphasizing their shared understanding that there’s “no deadline” on life’s timeline. Beyond marriage, Dylan also expressed a fervent desire for family, stating, “I am looking for that next chapter. I want kids. Definitely.” His experience as an uncle to his 4- and 5-year-old siblings has clearly shaped this aspiration, as he wants to experience the “joy of them growing up” for himself. This transparent view into their future highlights a couple grounded in genuine connection amidst the demands of the entertainment world.
A Family Affair: Honoring Zac and Olivia on Dedication Night
Episode five of Dancing with the Stars season 34, “Dedication Night,” proved to be a profoundly emotional event for Dylan Efron. On October 14, 2025, Dylan took to the stage with his professional partner Daniella Karagach and, in a heartwarming surprise, his 5-year-old baby sister, Olivia Efron. Their contemporary routine, set to “Rewrite the Stars” from The Greatest Showman—a song originally performed by his brother Zac Efron and Zendaya—was a powerful tribute to his siblings.
ABC
Dylan Efron and his sister Olivia on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Dylan became visibly emotional during the performance, reflecting on how Zac had “always taken care” of him, and expressing his desire to now be the “best role model” for Olivia. Despite their age gap, Dylan confessed he is “inseparable” from Olivia, calling her “everything” and wanting to show her “to live her life with confidence.” Olivia, in turn, affectionately described Dylan as her “best friend” who makes her feel “free.” The performance garnered immense praise from the judges, with Bruno Tonioli exclaiming, “The next greatest showman! And little Olivia, prima ballerina!” Carrie Ann Inaba added that she “felt that story to the bottom of my soul,” while Derek Hough commended Dylan’s impressive growth given his non-dance background. The touching routine earned them a remarkable 36 out of 40 points, and notably, no one was eliminated that night, allowing all contestants to advance to “Wicked Night.”
Beyond the Limelight: Backstage Moments and Star Support
Behind the cameras on “Dedication Night,” the ballroom buzzed with support and camaraderie, as reported by People. Courtney King, maintaining her private persona, was indeed spotted in the ballroom, patiently waiting for Dylan to finish his interviews. The couple shared a warm hug, and Courtney chatted with Daniella Karagach, highlighting the close bonds formed within the DWTS family. Daniella and her husband, fellow pro dancer Pasha Pashkov, were also seen playing with Dylan’s younger brother, Henry Efron, demonstrating the inclusive and supportive atmosphere backstage.
Disney/Eric McCandless
From left: Lisa Ann Walter and Dennis Quaid at ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Other notable guests included actor Dennis Quaid, offering encouragement to his Parent Trap costar Elaine Hendrix and her partner Alan Bersten before their foxtrot, which was dedicated to fellow actress Lisa Ann Walter. Social media influencer Alix Earle was seen introducing her younger sister Izabel backstage, while Robert Irwin’s mom Terri and former DWTS pro Sasha Farber also mingled with the press. Guest judge Kym Johnson-Herjavec’s husband, Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank, and former contestants like Marilu Henner and Nick Viall further underscored the communal spirit of the evening.
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Robert Herjavec at ‘Dancing with the Stars’
The Broader DWTS Landscape and What’s Next for Dylan Efron
Dancing with the Stars continues its legacy as a cultural phenomenon, evolving to engage its dedicated fan base. Beyond the weekly Tuesday night broadcasts on ABC and Disney+, the network has partnered with Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv for a DWTS Fantasy League. This interactive element allows viewers to predict which dancing pairs will reach the finale, offering exclusive content, statistics, and the chance to win prizes. Such initiatives reflect the show’s commitment to creating a comprehensive and interactive experience for its community.
As Dylan Efron continues his journey on Dancing with the Stars, his story transcends the typical competition narrative. He is not only striving for success on the dance floor but also openly building the foundations of his personal life – nurturing his relationship with Courtney King, honoring his family, and looking forward to marriage and children. This blend of public performance and private dreams makes his participation in season 34 particularly compelling, offering a relatable and inspiring narrative for fans who follow his every step.
