It was a warm, family-centered night inside the “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom. Marriann Hough, mom to co-host Julianne Hough and judge Derek Hough, made a rare appearance at the season 34 finale to cheer on her children and soak in the excitement as the finalists competed for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The Houghs Share a Lovely Family Moment
DisneyMarriann beamed from the audience while Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Elaine Hendrix, Robert Irwin and Jordan Chiles delivered their final routines.
DisneyDuring a commercial break, she joined Julianne and Derek for a sweet family photo, with both siblings wrapping their arms around her for a proud on-camera hug.
How Julianne & Derek Have Celebrated Their Mom Through the Years
The moment carried even more heart for the Hough family. Julianne and Derek have long shared how much their mom means to them, both on- and off-screen.
In 2020, Julianne even surprised Marriann with a new home and wrote, “My Mother has given given given….. its now her time to receive.”
Bruce and Marriann raised five children together, and even after going their separate ways, they have remained steady, loving supporters of their growing family.
“Life seems so short. Where did all the time go? It was just yesterday I was having babies. Now my babies are grown, and so are my grandchildren,” Marriann reflected in a September 2025 Instagram post.
“New adventures ahead. Life changes on a dime and pivots, engage, play, talk with loved ones when you can. God Bless us in all we do and learn from each other. We’re all just on loan to each other, stewardships to learn from, different experiences, different life styles, different opinions, different perspectives, thank God for diversity and LOVE.”
Marriann has since remarried, and her blended family now includes stepsiblings from her husband’s first marriage — widening the circle she continues to nurture.
A New Generation of Fans Embraces DWTS
DisneyMarriann wasn’t the only familiar face in the ballroom. Derek recently shared that the show has reached a new generation of viewers this season.
“It was a running joke for so many years like, ‘Oh my grandma loves the show,’ but now it’s the opposite,” Derek told E! News. “Now, parents are like, ‘My kids have to watch the show.’ It’s such a bonding show and even more so now that we have multiple generations watching together.”
The six-time Mirrorball champion said the shift has helped “DWTS” thrive well into its 20th year.
“They don’t want to watch the next day,” he added. “They want to sit in front of the TV and watch it live.”
Robert Irwin Wins the Mirrorball Trophy
The finale also marked a major milestone for Robert Irwin, who soared to victory after an emotional season. The wildlife conservationist and his partner Witney Carson were crowned the season 34 champions on November 25.
Robert couldn’t hide his excitement. “I go to New York and then straight to South Africa to film another show over there,” he told E! News. “And then, I’m back home.”
Witney confirmed she’ll be joining him soon. “You’re not getting rid of me that easy,” she joked.
Robert described the season as transformative.
“I’ve been able to write my own legacy with Witney as we tell stories of positivity, vulnerability, passion and fun,” he said.
For Robert, performing on the show has been a decade-long dream. He recently shared a throwback clip from 2015, filmed during his sister Bindi Irwin’s season, where he expressed interest in competing one day. That same year, Bindi won season 21 with Derek as her pro partner.
A Full-Circle Moment for the Hough & Irwin Families
Marriann’s presence in the audience gave Julianne and Derek a touching family moment on live TV, while Robert’s win added another Mirrorball Trophy to the Irwin family legacy.
The finale was not only a celebration of dance but a night filled with heartfelt connections, family pride, and full-circle stories, both onstage and in the audience.
