Derek Hough and Julianne Hough at the BAFTA Tea Party in 2024.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Derek Houghis there forJulianne Houghwhen times get tough.
TheDancing with the Starsjudge, 39, revealed how he supported Julianne when she was going through a difficult time followingthe sudden deaths of her two beloved Cavalier King Charles spaniels in 2019.
“I think just like in any family situation, you rally, you know? You always come together,” he told PEOPLE while discussing his new partnership withGreenies.
“So when that happened, we all rallied behind her, and we [were] there for her,” he added.
Julianne Hough with her dogs Lexi and Harley.Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
“Families are always the ones that are there for you in difficult times, you know? And I think it’s in those moments you realize how wonderful family is,” he explained.
“I was talking to this doctor, and he said he’s been at the bedside of thousands of patients basically on their deathbed. And none of them ask for their awards… accolades or their money… they ask for their loved ones, and it’s a good reminder," he continued. “… Family’s so important”
Derek Hough and his dog Luna.MOVI Inc for GREENIES
MOVI Inc for GREENIES
Derek — who shares four pets, dogs Romi and Luna, and cats Palo and Lily, with wifeHayley Erbert— also noted that he and Julianne consider their pets part of the family and said that when one of their pets dies, it is similar to the death of a loved one.
“I think anybody who really has had a pet that they’ve loved fully [understands] that,” he told PEOPLE. “So that’s why you always want the best for them… you always want the best for them and look out for them and take care of them.”
Julianne previously shared details about Lexi and Harley’s funerals. She revealed that there was one moment with Derek that stuck with her while they traveled to cremate the dogs' bodies.
“I was laying in my car… and there’s the song fromGladiatorat the very end when he passes on, and he goes into the heavens with his family, that song played,” she recalled.
“My brother just stopped the car, and the sun was pouring in, and I was totally feeling them,” she explained. “They were kissing me and I was with them, and I felt their souls so, so clearly. And that was so beautiful.”
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In July, Juliannerevealed she became a dog mom againafter welcoming a puppy named Sunny. She shared a sweetInstagram clipshowing a montage of moments with her new canine.
“Sunny, you have brought so much love and literal sunshine into my life ☀️I can’t remember a time without you,” she captioned the post, in part.
“Lexi & Harley would have loved and played with you every day, and I know that they sent you to me only when I was ready to open my heart and love again — you cracked me open, sweetheart,” she added.
source: people.com
