Carrie Ann Inaba is mourning a deeply personal loss. The longtime “Dancing With the Stars” judge shared the devastating news of her beloved dog Peanut’s death in an emotional social media post that quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans.
“Goodbye, my eternal love…my little queen. ❤️ It has been the honor of a lifetime to be yours.”
Fans Share Heartfelt Support After Carrie Ann Inaba’s Loss
Fans flooded the comments with messages of love and sympathy, many saying they were heartbroken alongside her after following Peanut’s journey over the past few months.
Tributes also poured in from friends and fellow celebrities, who shared messages of comfort and love.
Derek Hough wrote, “Im so sorry 💔,” while Amanda Kloots added, “Oh friend I’m so sorry. Sending you loads of love.”
Cheryl Burke shared, “I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love 🤍.”
Elaine Hendrix offered a heartfelt message, writing, “Oh Carrie Ann. I’m so sorry. This moment always comes too soon. I’m sending you warmth and grace. You were both lucky to have one another.”
Paula Abdul also reached out, saying, “I am so sorry for your loss! I know just how heartbreaking this must be for you😢 I’m sending so much love and healing prayers your way 🙏🏽❤️🩹.”
Other messages echoed the same sentiment, including, “My sincerest condolences,Carrieann, on the passing of your beautiful little one. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories. 🙏🏾🐶🙏🏾” and a simple, tender reminder: “Forever in your heart.”
A Birthday Marked by Gratitude and Quiet Love
Just weeks earlier, Inaba shared a glimpse into a quiet birthday celebration at home, marking her 58th with Peanut by her side. Posting photos of herself holding her aging dog, she described the moment as deeply meaningful.
“The most precious birthday gift of all.”
“On this 58th birthday, I am filled with gratitude for this life God has given me,” Inaba wrote. “The number seems higher than it should be lol, but it also comes with a feeling of hopeful anticipation for what’s to come. Because I do feel that this is going to be a very special year.”
She went on to explain that celebrating with Peanut made the day especially grounding.
“I also am feeling so much gratitude that this little Queen has chosen to celebrate my birthday with me. It’s a gift that humbles me and grounds me in the things that matter most. Little moments of peace,” she wrote.
“I am feeling so much love right now. I feel it from all of you. I feel it from the universe, my friends and family, and of course my fur babies. I am in awe of the peace and warmth I feel in my soul.”
Inaba Opened Up About Anticipatory Grief Before Peanut’s Death
In the weeks leading up to her birthday, Inaba had been candid about Peanut’s declining health, including ongoing heart and trachea issues.
As she navigated what she described as anticipatory grief, she turned to art, sharing a raw video of herself painting as a way to process the weight of the moment.
Getty“Peanut 🐾🤍🥺,” she wrote. “It’s an honor of a lifetime. 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.”
“I’m devastated. Exhausted. Broken-hearted. Raw. I needed a release or I would shatter,” she added, explaining that creativity has long been her way of coping with intense emotion.
In another message addressed directly to her dog, Inaba shared the quiet pain of watching Peanut struggle.
“I miss your sweet kisses,” she wrote. “Your trachea and heart issues make it less comfortable for you to give me those sweet kisses that have gotten me through the most difficult moments in my life… So of course, it showed up in the art. Peanut, I love you. #grief #pets.”
