Julianne Hough Shares Emotional Tribute to Her 2 Dogs Killed by Coyotes: ‘I Love You Lexi and Harley’

Mar. 15, 2025

Julianne Hough with her dogs Lexi and Harley in 2019.Photo:Julianne Hough/Instagram

Julianne Hough/Instagram

Julianne Houghis remembering her beloved dogsLexi and Harleyon the five-year anniversary of their deaths.

In anInstagram postdedicated to the canines, theDancing with the Starshost, 36, shared an intimate look at thefuneralshe held for them and reminisced about some of the happier times they spent together.

Hough started off her post with somber pictures taken on the day she bid farewell to the two dogs. She could be seen lying next to Lexi and Harley’s bodies, wrapped up in blankets. A trail of white roses and lavender was arranged next to them, and their collars were displayed.

TheSafe Havenstar also shared a family snapshot, which appeared to have been taken the day of the funeral, which featured her brotherDerek Hough, parentsMarianne and Bruce Houghand her ex-husbandBrooks Laich.

Julianne Hough spends time with her dogs Lexi and Harley.Julianne Hough/Instagram

The dancer and actress also included throwback photos of herself traveling around the world with the two pups, as well as some at-home moments snuggling with the animals. She also showed a video of the first time the dogs rode in a small toy convertible and shots of them making funny faces at the camera.

“September 28th, 2019 🕊️,” she captioned the Instagram post. “I love you Lexi and Harley ❤️. Hard to believe it’s been 5 years without you in this 3D world.”

Julianne Hough traveling with dogs Lexi and Harley.Julianne Hough/Instagram

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“When I got [back], they had cleaned [the dogs] up, and they made an altar, and I was able to be with them and their bodies at least for like a day and a half before I went and cremated them," she recalled.

Hough said she had sprayed lavender on the dogs ahead of the funeral, and while on the way to cremate them, she had a moment in the car when she felt connected with Lexi and Harley again.

Julianne Hough enjoys a boat ride with dogs Lexi and Harley.Julianne Hough/Instagram

“I was lying in my car… and there’s the song fromGladiatorat the very end when he passes on, and he goes into the heavens with his family — that song played,” she explained.

“My brother just stopped the car, and the sun was pouring in, and I was totally feeling them,” she continued. “They were kissing me and I was with them, and I felt their souls so, so clearly. And that was beautiful.”

Over the summer, theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge revealed that she became a dog mom again, welcoming a new pup named Sunny. She announced the news on Instagram at the time, writing, “Lexi & Harley would have loved and played with you everyday and I know that they sent you to me, only when I was ready to open my heart and love again - you cracked me open sweetheart.”

source: people.com