“Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 has wrapped, and it was a fantastic season packed with entertainment, record-breaking votes, and stunning choreography and dance skills. But way back when the show first started, Melissa Rycroft competed and won Season 2.
The Mirrorball champion won her trophy alongside professional dancer Tony Dovolani. But what has she been up to since the ABC dance competition? Well, Rycroft gave a glimpse into her life over Thanksgiving weekend, and she looks so happy.
Melissa Rycroft Shares a Glimpse Into Her Life
GettyRycroft posted several photos on Instagram, giving fans a look into her family life with pictures of herself, her husband, and their kids. She married Tye Strickland, and the pair has three children together, Ava, Beckett, and Cayson.
In the photos, the family can be seen enjoying time on the beach. In another slide, Rycroft stuns as she poses in a bikini alongside her daughter. Other photos show them swimming, hanging out with loved ones, taking a golf cart ride, and enjoying the good weather. She tagged Florida in the post, giving insight into where she has been spending time.
In the caption, Rycroft shared her thoughts, writing, “Quick getaway to start the Thanksgiving celebration…!!” She looks so relaxed and content. You can see the photos on her Instagram account, where she has over 327,000 followers.
Melissa Rycroft Reflects on Her DWTS Experience
In 2025, DWTS celebrated its 20th anniversary. Throughout the season, former champions and pro dancers were invited back to the show, either to dance or as guest judges. It was an exciting season, and Rycroft reflected on her own journey with Dovolani in an Instagram post on November 11.
She posted several photos from her time on the show, including performing onstage in multiple stunning costumes and posing with her Mirrorball Trophy. “Happy 20th DWTS!!! So grateful to be a part of this – best experience ever!!! @dancingwiththestars,” she wrote in the caption. You can tell that Rycroft loved being part of “Dancing with the Stars” because her Instagram bio lists her many roles and accolades, including mom, wife, former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, former “Bachelorette,” and “Former Dancing Champ.”
Fans reacted to the post with praise for the Mirrorball champion. Reactions include, “You and Tony were the best! Such a fun memory!!!,” “Tony was always my favorite male pro! I’m so glad you got him the mirrorball!,” and “You were so great. Oh we sure miss Tony dancing.”
“You should have been asked to be part of it…… I loved Gillespie Argentine Tango, but your footwork was AMAZING IN THE ARGINTINE TANGO!!!!!” another fan said of the 20th anniversary show episode.
Classy and beautiful. Dignity can be added to her profile.