Fans Stunned as Jen Affleck Dances on DWTS Just Hours After Being ‘Stuck in Bed’ Sick

Jen Affleck returned to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom for Dedication Night on October 14, just hours after spending most of the week sick and bedridden. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star overcame illness and exhaustion to deliver one of her most emotional performances yet, stunning both judges and viewers.

The reality star, competing this season with pro partner Jan Ravnik, performed a touching Viennese Waltz to Lauren Daigle’s “Rescue” — a dance dedicated to her mother Maria and her three young children, Nora, 3, Lucas, 2, and Penelope, just 3 months old. Despite battling sickness all week, Jen earned praise from the judges and admiration from fans for her resilience and heartfelt tribute.

Jen Affleck Overcomes Illness for Emotional Dedication Night Performance

Just a day before the live show, Jen’s husband Zac Affleck took to TikTok to reveal that she had been “so sick” and “stuck in bed” for most of the week, unable to rehearse or prepare for the performance. “She hasn’t been able to practice, and has been stuck in bed most of the week,” Zac shared on October 13, asking fans for prayers and support as Jen tried to recover in time for the show.

Fortunately, Jen’s mother was visiting and stepped in to help care for her and the kids, cooking homemade meals and offering much-needed support. “Call it chance or God, but her mom has been in town this week to make her homemade meals and help take care of her,” Zac added.

Despite the challenges, Jen took to the dance floor with strength and determination. Opening up about her struggles with prenatal and postpartum depression, she shared a powerful message about motherhood during the broadcast. “This last year has been one of the hardest years of my life… I didn’t realize how much my mom went through until I became a mother myself. So, this is for all the moms out there,” she said.

The emotional performance earned the pair an eight from Carrie Ann Inaba and sevens from Kym Johnson, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, for a total score of 29 out of 40. Carrie Ann called it “the most passionate dance” Jen has performed this season, adding, “I see where you get your courage from. There was just something profound.”

Remarkably, Jen’s resilience was mirrored elsewhere on the show, as comedian Andy Richter also returned to the stage after being ill earlier in the week. His partner, Emma Slater, confirmed that he too had been “sick and in bed,” but was determined to perform.

Audience Reactions and Support for Jen Affleck’s DWTS Comeback

Viewers flooded social media with messages of admiration and support for Jen’s strength and vulnerability. Many fans praised her ability to perform under such difficult circumstances, calling her dedication “inspiring” and “deeply moving.”

Some also connected deeply with her candid remarks about postpartum depression, saying they felt seen and represented by her honesty on national television. Mental health advocates highlighted her openness as an important moment for awareness, applauding the show for giving space to such personal and universal struggles.

Jen Affleck’s DWTS comeback not only showcased her talent and determination but also highlighted the resilience of mothers and the power of family support. Despite battling illness and emotional hurdles, she transformed her pain into a powerful performance — one that many fans say they will remember as one of the most touching moments of the season.

Jen Affleck’s return to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom after days in bed was a powerful reminder of perseverance, family, and love. As the competition continues, fans are eager to see how she channels that strength into future performances.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Was Jen Affleck really sick before her DWTS performance?

Yes. Her husband Zac revealed on TikTok that she was bedridden most of the week and unable to practice before the October 14 Dedication Night episode.

Q2: What dance did Jen Affleck perform on Dedication Night?

Jen performed a Viennese Waltz to Lauren Daigle’s “Rescue” with partner Jan Ravnik, dedicating it to her mom and three children.

Q3: How did Jen Affleck score on Dancing With the Stars?

She received a total score of 29 out of 40 — eight from Carrie Ann Inaba and sevens from Kym Johnson, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

Q4: What did Jen say about postpartum depression?

Jen shared that the past year had been one of the hardest of her life, dealing with prenatal and postpartum depression, and dedicated her dance to all mothers.

Q5: Who else was sick before the DWTS episode?

Andy Richter was also reportedly sick before the episode, with pro Emma Slater confirming he had been “in bed” but was determined to perform.