“Dancing with the Stars” alum Jen Affleck had an especially emotional Christmas thanks to a heartfelt surprise from her husband, Zac Affleck, that brought her right back to one of the most meaningful chapters of her year.
In a video shared on social media over the holidays, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star is seen opening Zac’s gift and immediately tearing up. “I’m already crying. I think it’s that time of the month, where, like, just everything makes me cry,” Jen says as she starts unwrapping the present.
Moments later, the reason for her reaction becomes clear. Inside the box was the gold dress she wore during TikTok Night on DWTS, a costume she has openly called her favorite from the competition. “How did you know? This one was my favorite,” Jen tells Zac through tears as she holds up the dress.
Zac explained the deeper meaning behind the gift, sharing that he wanted it to represent her postpartum journey during the show. The couple shares three children: daughter Nora, 4, son Luca, 2, and baby Penny, 5 months. Visibly touched, Jen joked that the sentimental keepsake was “better” than the Mirrorball Trophy, adding with a laugh, “How are you gonna come up with a better gift than that?” Zac replied simply, “You better keep doing cool things,” according to People.
The DWTS Family Shows Up in the Comments
The emotional moment didn’t just resonate with fans. The comment section quickly filled with love from the “Dancing with the Stars” family and beyond after the clip was posted on Instagram.
Former DWTS contestant Danielle Fishel commented, “This made ME cry!!!! 😍😍 Love you, Jen!” Judge Derek Hough also weighed in, writing, “Great gift @zacaffleck 🙌 Something to be proud of indeed.” The official DWTS Instagram account added, “Crying! 😭❤️❤️,” echoing the reaction many viewers had while watching the video.
Jen competed on the most recent season of DWTS alongside pro partner Jan Ravnik, ultimately placing ninth. After her elimination earlier this fall, she reflected on the experience with gratitude, writing, “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” She later added that while her “heart hurts knowing this chapter ends,” she was proud to show her kids “what their mom can do.”
She also shared that her exit came with a silver lining, allowing her to be home in time for Nora’s fourth birthday. “POV: The universe made sure you didn’t miss your daughters [sic] 4th birthday,” she wrote at the time, calling the moment her real “mirrorball trophy.”
A Full-Circle Moment After Standing by Zac
The sweet Christmas surprise comes months after Jen publicly stood up for Zac amid online criticism during her DWTS run. In a November interview with E! News, Jen addressed the scrutiny surrounding their relationship, emphasizing the effort Zac puts into their family behind the scenes.
“People will always talk and people will always have their opinions,” she said, adding that it can be frustrating when others “don’t see what’s happening behind closed doors and how much work and effort he’s putting in.” Jen acknowledged the attention can be draining but made it clear she remains protective of her husband, noting, “We’re working on just tuning out the noise of the world.”
Taken together, the viral gift and the support behind it paint a quieter but powerful picture of where the couple stands now. As Jen said while reflecting on her time on the dance floor, “I’m endlessly grateful for the ride and for showing my kids what their mom can do.”
