In a deeply emotional reveal, Maksim Chmerkovskiy is opening up about something he never imagined he’d say out loud — he’s not ready for Peta Murgatroyd to return to Dancing With the Stars.
The former DWTS pro and proud dad is drawing a heartfelt line between passion and presence, saying that while he respects Peta’s love for the spotlight, their family needs her more than the ballroom does right now.
“I know what the stage means to her,” Maks shares. “I’ve seen her light up under those lights. But when I see her holding our son, rocking him at 2 a.m., or laughing with our toddler on the floor—that’s the stage she was born for right now.”
“We’re in the Trenches — Together”
Maks, who stepped away from the DWTS spotlight to focus on fatherhood and personal projects, says this chapter of life is both the hardest and the most sacred. And he’s not shy about the emotional toll it would take to watch Peta return to the grueling grind of rehearsal schedules and live shows.
“We’re in the trenches—exhausted, messy, figuring it out day by day. But we’re doing it together. And I’m not ready to give that up.”
He admits he’s not trying to stop her — just asking for a little more time. A few more months of slow mornings, sticky hugs, and bedtime stories.
“She’s already made the world fall in love with her. But now, two little boys are watching her with eyes that say ‘You’re our whole world.’ That matters more than a mirrorball right now.”
Peta: Torn Between Two Loves
Peta, who’s remained relatively quiet on whether she’ll return for the next season of DWTS, is reportedly feeling torn between the pull of her career and the powerful rhythm of motherhood.
“She loves her work. But she’s never felt more grounded than she does at home,” a family insider revealed. “The decision isn’t easy.”
Maks Isn’t Asking Forever—Just for Now
Maks isn’t trying to write the end of Peta’s dance career — far from it. He knows the music will call to her again. But for now, he’s holding onto the rare and beautiful chaos of early parenthood.
“There’s a time for stages. And there’s a time for living room lullabies and first words and sticky kisses. Right now, I just want to keep dancing through this season with her — right here at home.”
