💔 SAD NEWS: DWTS Icon Maksim Chmerkovskiy and His Family Are Facing Heartbreaking News About His Mother — And the Reactions from Colleagues and Judges Have Left Fans Stunned…

The Dancing With the Stars family is in mourning this week as heartbreaking news emerges about one of its most beloved figures, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The Ukrainian-American dancer and television icon — celebrated for his fiery performances, charm, and unbreakable spirit — is now facing one of the most painful experiences of his life. Maksim has revealed that his beloved mother is battling a serious illness, and the emotional weight of the situation has deeply shaken both him and his family.

The news broke after Maksim shared a heartfelt post on social media earlier this week. Accompanied by a black-and-white photo of him holding his mother’s hand, he wrote:

“I’ve danced through pain before, but nothing compares to this. My mom has always been my strength, my reason to keep going. Now, it’s my turn to be hers.”

Within minutes, the message spread across social media platforms, leaving fans and fellow celebrities heartbroken. Maksim, known to millions for his appearances on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) and his powerful performances with partners like Meryl Davis and Erin Andrews, has always been open about his deep love and admiration for his family — especially his mother, who he has often credited as his first teacher and biggest supporter.

“She gave me rhythm before I could even walk,” he once said in an interview. “Every step I’ve ever taken — on and off the stage — began with her.”

The DWTS Family Reacts

The moment Maksim’s emotional post appeared, messages of love and support began flooding in from his DWTS colleagues, judges, and fans worldwide. His younger brother and fellow dancer Val Chmerkovskiy commented simply, “We’re in this together, bro. She’s our light.”

Professional dancer and Maksim’s wife, Peta Murgatroyd, also shared a moving message on her Instagram story:

“Family is everything. Watching the man I love go through this has been heartbreaking. Please send love and prayers to Maks and his beautiful mother.”

Even longtime DWTS judges like Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough expressed their condolences and admiration for Maksim’s strength. Carrie Ann wrote, “Maks has always danced from his heart. That heart is hurting now, and we’re all here with him.”

Fans who have followed the show for years echoed those sentiments. “Maksim is more than a dancer — he’s family to us,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ve watched him grow, love, struggle, and triumph. This news is just devastating.”

A Mother’s Strength and a Son’s Love

For Maksim, family has always been at the center of everything. Born in Odesa, Ukraine, he immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was a child. His mother worked tirelessly to support the family and nurture his passion for dance, often sewing costumes by hand and sacrificing her own dreams so her sons could pursue theirs.

“She was the glue that held us together,” Maksim once told People magazine. “Every success I’ve had in my career — every mirrorball trophy, every standing ovation — belongs to her.”

Now, as she faces a difficult battle, Maksim has stepped away from several professional commitments to be by her side. According to sources close to the family, he has postponed multiple appearances and is focusing on spending time with her at home.

“He’s always been fiercely loyal to his family,” said one insider. “Right now, nothing else matters to him but making sure his mom feels loved and supported.”

A Community United in Love

The emotional outpouring from the DWTS community and fans worldwide has been overwhelming. Hashtags like #StayStrongMaks and #PrayersForMaksMom have trended across social media, with fans sharing their favorite dance moments, heartfelt messages, and photos from over a decade of his work on the show.

“Maks taught us that dance can tell stories words can’t,” one longtime fan wrote. “Now, we want him to feel the love he’s given to so many people through his art.”

Other DWTS alumni, including Cheryl Burke, Julianne Hough, and Sharna Burgess, have publicly sent love to the Chmerkovskiy family. “He’s one of the strongest men I know,” Sharna said. “If anyone can find grace in heartbreak, it’s Maks.”

A Legacy of Passion and Resilience

Maksim’s journey has always been one of perseverance. From recovering from a childhood leg injury that doctors once said would prevent him from dancing, to becoming one of the most iconic professionals on Dancing With the Stars, his story has inspired millions around the world.

Through it all, his mother remained his guiding light — attending competitions, offering advice, and cheering from the audience. Fans often spotted her at DWTS tapings, proudly smiling as her son performed.

Now, that same spirit of love and resilience is what Maksim is holding onto as his family faces this painful chapter. “We’ve been through wars, losses, and heartbreaks,” he said in a follow-up post. “But my mom taught me that love is what heals everything. I’m holding onto that.”

Fans’ Hearts Go Out

Across social media, fans continue to pour out their hearts. “Sending love from across the world,” wrote one user. “You’ve lifted us up for years — now we’re lifting you.” Another added, “Maks, your mom raised a man of courage and heart. She must be so proud.”

While the Chmerkovskiy family has requested privacy during this difficult time, they’ve expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

In an Instagram story late Thursday night, Peta wrote, “We feel your love. It means the world to us.”

A Family Bound by Love

For Maksim, family has always been the heartbeat behind his success. Whether on the dance floor or in life’s hardest moments, that bond remains unbreakable.

As the Dancing With the Stars community rallies around one of its brightest stars, one message shines through the grief and uncertainty: love, resilience, and family will always lead the way.

💔 Our thoughts and hearts are with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, his mother, and the entire Chmerkovskiy family during this deeply difficult time.