“Dancing with the Stars” alum Leah Remini, who competed on Season 17 with professional dancer Tony Dovolani, has opened up to her fans with a vulnerable post about the struggles she’s been facing.
Leah Remini Shares Her Sadness
Remini posted several photos on Instagram on August 8. The pictures are from happy times and include throwbacks to her younger years as she poses with her niece, Bri Day. Other photos show her posing with loved ones and attending a dress fitting for her niece’s wedding.
In the caption, Remini revealed why she has not been active on social media but thanked fans for their continued support, saying, “sometimes silence is just part of my process.” She continued, “As most of you know, these past months have been incredibly difficult. Losing Mike Rinder. Losing Maddie. The sadness doesn’t go away, and honestly, part of me holds onto it because it feels like a way to keep them close. Like if I stop being sad, I’ve somehow left them behind.”
“But I’m learning that grief and life can exist together, Remini shared. “That we can honor the ones we’ve lost by staying present for the ones still here.”
Remini tried to focus on the positives in her life, including being able to be there with her niece while she put on her wedding dress. “My little niece, who I still picture as a child sucking her little fingers, is now a beautiful, strong woman getting ready to marry the love of her life, Michael. And today is also her birthday,” Remini wrote.
Remini also commented on her sister, Nicole Remini-Wiskow, and the emotions that she felt with her in that moment. “Standing there with my sister @nicole_b_remini, her proud, beaming mother, and with our mom by our side, I couldn’t help but feel how lucky we are to have each other through all of life’s seasons,” she wrote. “Life continues. It demands to be lived, even when your heart aches. And I choose to celebrate. To try to show up for love, for joy, for the future.”
The actress made a shout-out to her niece, wishing her a happy birthday and showing her some love. She ended her post with an inspiring message. “Happy birthday, sweet girl. I love you endlessly. Watching you walk into this next chapter is a reminder that there is still so much beauty ahead, even in the midst of pain,” she shared.
Fans & Loved Ones React to Leah Remini’s Post
Remini’s fans have reacted with love, sharing their thoughts in the comment section of the post.
“You are human! We’ve all been through times where we need space and some peace to sort through. Take your time – we love you Leah!” a comment reads. “I lost my father 2 weeks ago and understand the magnitude of your grief and sadness. Sending my condolences,” another fan shared.
Remini’s sister Nicole responded to the post. “Made me cry, I love you, and I’m so grateful for my amazing family,” she wrote.
The star’s niece also responded with a beautiful message that highlights their close bond. “I love you so so much and am so thankful for you!” she wrote. “We’re in this life together and being your niece is a true honor. Looking at the generations of us in that room, it was clear that through everything we always have each other. Thank you for making life magical! I can’t wait to continue doing life with you by my side!!!”
The grief Remini discussed is the death of her good friend, Mike Rinder, and Maddie, a beloved girl she met during the Make-A-Wish dream charity when she was filming “Kevin Can Wait,” which aired from 2016 until 2018. She announced her death in an Instagram post on July 10, 2025.
“Over the years, many of you have joined me in celebrating this truly special girl turned young woman, Maddie,” Remini wrote. “I am heartbroken to share with you that Maddie has passed away at the age 21. I’m sharing a glimpse into my friendship with Maddie because I want people to know how truly special she was.”
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