Dancing With the Stars recently hosted its annual Dedication Night, prompting some judges to share personal reflections on their family experiences.

Following a heartfelt contemporary dance by Robert Irwin dedicated to his mother, Terri Irwin, on Tuesday, October 14, judge Carrie Ann Inaba took a moment to express her own sentiments.

“I’ve never had children,” Inaba admitted from her seat at the judges’ table. “But Terri, I must say, if I had a son, I would hope he’d be like Robert. Your son is truly remarkable, and it shines through in his performance. His honesty, openness, and ability to connect with the audience are simply beautiful.”

Though Inaba, 57, generally keeps her personal life away from the spotlight, she has occasionally shared insights into her views on family.

During the emotional Dedication Night, Robert Irwin moved the ballroom to tears. The 21-year-old Australian conservationist dedicated his performance to his mother, Terri, who raised him and his sister, Bindi Irwin, as a single mother following the tragic passing of their father, Steve Irwin, in 2006. Robert and his professional dance partner, Witney, captivated the audience with their heartfelt tribute.

In a social media post, Inaba shared a photo of her mom, her “spiritual daughter” and her dogs.

“Family. Sometimes it doesn’t look like what we thought it was supposed to look like… it’s better,” she wrote via Instagram on January 3. “But why is it better? 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.”

When kicking off 2025, Inaba was left with gratitude for starting a new year with people she loves and adores.

“I’m happy for this very simple moment we had,” she added. “Sharing love, dreams and puppy kisses.”

Inaba wasn’t the only judge to reflect on family during Dancing With the Stars’ Dedication Night.

After Robert, 21, and his partner, Witney Carson, danced to “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins, Derek Hough — who is expecting a baby with his wife Hayley Erbert — tried to hold back tears before delivering his score.

“The love I have for your family,” he told Robert. “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 — added, “[Terri,] just the love that you have for your family and you’re just an incredible woman. I’m going to come and talk to you later and get some tips on how you raised such great kids.”

Carrie Ann Inaba is officially back at the judges’ table on Dancing With the Stars after missing the season 34 premiere. Inaba, 57, was welcomed back with a jive from Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy during the Tuesday, September 23, episode to kick off One-Hit Wonders Night. The pair ultimately earned 21 points for their […]

Robert wasn’t the only contestant to pay tribute to family during Tuesday night’s emotional show.

Jordan Chiles honored her father while The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck paid tribute to her mom. Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, Andy Richter, Whitney Leavitt and Scott Hoying also recognized family members during their dances.

Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

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