Julianne Hough, the talented dancer and host of Dancing With the Stars, has always had a special place in her heart for her dogs, Lexi and Harley. These beloved canines were more than just pets to Julianne; they were family. Sadly, nearly five years ago, Lexi and Harley passed away, leaving Julianne devastated. It wasn’t until recently that Julianne revealed the heartbreaking cause of their deaths.
Amidst a challenging period in her life, Julianne faced the loss of her dogs in 2019. Prior to their passing, she was dealing with various personal struggles, including the decision to part ways with her longtime assistant, the launch of her company KINRGY, and the unraveling of her marriage to now-ex-husband Brooks Laich. The loss of Lexi and Harley compounded the difficulties she was already facing, as she opened up about the turmoil she was experiencing in her relationship with Brooks.
On an episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Julianne shared the heart-wrenching sequence of events that led to the loss of her beloved dogs. Just 10 days after asking for a separation from her husband, Lexi and Harley were tragically killed by coyotes on September 28, 2019. The news of their passing shook Julianne to her core, as she struggled to come to terms with their sudden absence in her life.
Despite the pain of their loss, Julianne found solace in the love and companionship that Lexi and Harley had brought into her life. In a touching Instagram tribute, she expressed her gratitude for their unwavering love and the profound impact they had on her. Julianne’s bond with her dogs was truly special, and their memory continues to live on in her heart.
As time passed, Julianne occasionally spoke about the loss of Lexi and Harley, but she remained silent on the details of their passing. It wasn’t until recently that she revealed the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths. Lexi and Harley were killed by coyotes, a heartbreaking revelation that shed light on the sudden and unexpected nature of their departure.
Despite the pain of losing Lexi and Harley, Julianne has found a way to honor their memory while opening her heart to a new four-legged friend. In September 2023, she introduced “little miss Sunny girl” into her life, a new companion who has brought joy and light into her world. Julianne’s ability to find love and comfort in the midst of loss is a testament to her resilience and strength.
Throughout her time with Lexi and Harley, Julianne shared a deep connection with her dogs, describing them as perfect companions who brought joy and happiness into her life. Whether she was posting photos of them on social media or talking about them in interviews, it was clear that Lexi and Harley held a special place in Julianne’s heart.
The breeds of Julianne’s dogs, Lexi and Harley, were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Lexi was born on July 21, 2008, and Harley followed on March 28, 2011. Julianne’s love for the Cavalier King Charles breed stemmed from her time touring with Brad Paisley, where she fell in love with a similar dog. Naming Lexi was a personal choice, inspired by Julianne’s middle name, Alexandra, while Harley’s name reflected her love for the breed and her connection to her furry companions.
The loss of Lexi and Harley was a profound moment in Julianne’s life, marking a period of immense grief and reflection. While the details of their passing were kept private for some time, Julianne eventually shared the heartbreaking truth behind their deaths. The sudden loss of her dogs was a devastating blow, but Julianne has found strength in the memories and love they shared.
As Julianne continues to navigate life without Lexi and Harley, she has welcomed a new furry friend into her home. Sunny, the newest addition to Julianne’s family, has brought light and love into her life, serving as a reminder that love comes in many forms. While Lexi and Harley will always hold a special place in Julianne’s heart, Sunny has brought a renewed sense of joy and companionship into her life.
In conclusion, Julianne Hough’s journey with her dogs, Lexi and Harley, was a testament to the profound bond between humans and animals. Their passing marked a poignant moment in Julianne’s life, but through her grief, she has found strength and resilience. The love and companionship that Lexi and Harley brought into Julianne’s life will never be forgotten, and their memory will continue to live on in her heart.