Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Emotional Tribute During DWTS 20th Anniversary Special
In a heartfelt moment during Dancing With the Stars’ 20th anniversary special, professional dancer Maks Chmerkovskiy found himself overcome with emotion during the In Memoriam segment. Speaking candidly on the November 14 episode of the “Penthuse with Peta” podcast, Chmerkovskiy, now 45, revealed how the tribute dance performed beautifully by Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold stirred deep feelings, particularly when images of his former dance partner Kirstie Alley appeared on screen. “Those are my people. You know, it’s my generation,” Chmerkovskiy reflected, his voice carrying the weight of remembrance. “It overcame me a little bit… I realized, wow, they passed away.” This raw reaction highlighted not just professional connections formed through the show, but genuine human bonds that transcended the competitive dance floor. The November 11 broadcast honored numerous departed members of the DWTS family, but for Chmerkovskiy, seeing Alley’s face brought back a flood of personal memories from their time dancing together.
The relationship between Chmerkovskiy and Alley represented one of the show’s memorable partnerships, spanning both her initial appearance in Season 12 in 2011 and her return for the All Stars season the following year. Their connection exemplified the unique bond that can form between professional dancers and celebrities through the intense training and performances that define the competition. During the anniversary special, host Alfonso Ribeiro set a respectful tone for the tribute, saying, “Let’s remember the members of our ballroom family who are no longer with us. They will live forever in our hearts.” The segment honored numerous beloved figures who had graced the dance floor, including Jerry Springer from Season 3, Cloris Leachman from Season 7, Aaron Carter from Season 9, Shannen Doherty from Season 10, and Florence Henderson from Season 11, among others. Yet for Chmerkovskiy, it was Alley’s appearance that triggered the most profound emotional response.
Kirstie Alley’s passing in December 2022 at age 71 following a battle with cancer marked the end of a vibrant life and illustrious career. The announcement came through a poignant message shared by her children, William True Stevenson and Lillie Stevenson, on her Instagram account. “We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” they wrote, capturing both the suddenness of the loss and the strength with which she faced her final challenge. “She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.” These words painted the picture of a woman whose vibrancy extended far beyond her public persona, touching those closest to her in profound ways.
The day following Alley’s passing, Chmerkovskiy shared his own tribute on Instagram, revealing the depth and complexity of their relationship. “My dearest Kirstie, We haven’t spoken lately and I’ll tell you everything when I finally see you, but for now I want to say that I love you very much and I wish you the most peaceful rest,” he wrote with palpable sincerity. His words conveyed not just grief but a celebration of a unique bond: “You were one of the most unique people I have ever met and easily one of the brightest moments of my personal and professional life.” This tribute offered glimpses into a relationship that, while partially documented through their televised performances, contained multitudes that remained private – “Some of our relationship is heavily documented. Most of it is known to select few. All of it was like a wild rollercoaster.”
The In Memoriam segment during the anniversary special served as more than just acknowledgment of those lost; it demonstrated how Dancing With the Stars has, over its twenty seasons, created a genuine community that transcends the competitive nature of the show. When Chmerkovskiy refers to the departed as “my people,” he speaks to the familial atmosphere that develops among contestants, professionals, and crew. This sense of belonging explains why seeing familiar faces in such a segment would trigger such profound emotional responses. For viewers who have followed the show throughout its run, these tributes connect to memories of performances, personalities, and moments of both triumph and vulnerability that made each person memorable. The show’s longevity has allowed for the formation of deep connections, making the losses felt more keenly by all involved.
What makes Chmerkovskiy’s reaction especially moving is the authenticity it reveals about relationships formed through reality television. In an entertainment landscape often criticized for manufacturing emotions, his unguarded response to seeing Alley’s image speaks to genuine friendship that developed through their shared experience. His final words in his Instagram tribute to her – “From Maude to DJ Lil Buttercup you were always all in for life. I thought you’d be around forever. I wish we spoke often. Thank you for everything. I love you Kirstie Alley. RIP.” – carry the universal regrets many feel when losing someone dear: the wish for more time, more conversations, more moments together. Through both the anniversary special’s tribute and Chmerkovskiy’s heartfelt reflections, we’re reminded that behind the glamour and competition of Dancing With the Stars are real human connections, complete with the joy, complexity, and eventually grief that defines meaningful relationships in all our lives.
