Former participant dance troupe "Dancing with the Stars"« Hayley Erbert mourns the loss of his beloved stepfather, Jim Schwartz . On July 28, she shared a touching message that touched both fans and friends. «Dancing with the Stars» .
In an Instagram post, Erbert announced that her stepfather died a week ago. Many fans show "Dancing with the Stars"« They know that he was ill for quite a long time.
Erbert began her tribute to Jim with the words: "It has been a week since Jim left this world, a week since his beautiful soul was freed.".
«"He was the best adoptive father anyone could wish for, although the word 'adopted' will never be quite right," she continued.
Former troupe member «Dancing with the Stars» She explained that Jim taught her that being a father is about being present, not following biological principles. "It's about being consistent, patient, protective, and loving.".
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hogue attend the 2017 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. AB1 / WENN.com / MEGA
Several photos posted by Erbert show her with Jim at her wedding to the show judge. «Dancing with the Stars» Derek Hogue . In a couple of other photos, Jim spends time with baby Everly, the daughter of Erbert and Hoag.
She described her adoptive father as a selfless, kind, calm man with a "quiet sense of humor.".
Erbert wrote: "I will love you forever, Jim. And I will miss you even more.".
The post was inundated with compliments and words of love from colleagues and fans. show "Dancing with the Stars"« .
Julianne's ex-husband, Brooks Laich , wrote: "May a good man rest in peace. So sorry for your loss, Hales. Kat and I send our love.".
Former participant of the show Amy Purdy noted that at the wedding of Erbert and Hoag her husband, David Gale , and Jim "got along so well that his kindness really stuck with us. We've thought of him many times since.".
In May 2025, Erbert's mother, Debbie Schwartz , posted a lengthy update on Instagram about her husband's health. He underwent a complex operation, expected to last 11 hours, during which doctors removed cancerous growths from his torso.
Surgeons removed Jim's right kidney, 20% of his liver, gallbladder, and reconstructed his diaphragm and duodenum.
Around the same time that Erbert posted about the family's loss, Debbie also shared a farewell message in memory of Jim. Quite a few people connected with show "Dancing with the Stars", left comments on the post, expressing their love and support.
Messages of condolence from the show's participants soon emerged. «Dancing with the Stars» , including from Julianne Hough , Shirley Ballas , Keo Motsepe , Mindy Arnold and others.
Although Jim's time with baby Everly was too short, Erbert said she takes comfort in the thought that her daughter now has "the best guardian angel.".
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This article, "Dancing With the Stars' Favorite Contestant Shares Heartbreaking Family News," first appeared on Closer Weekly . Subscribe to Closer Weekly в Yahoo , so as not to miss the next publications.