In a post that has left fans worldwide reaching for the tissues, Hollywood icon Julia Roberts shared the devastating news of her beloved dog Myrtle’s passing on Instagram yesterday. The 57-year-old Oscar winner, known for lighting up screens in classics like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, penned a simple yet gut-wrenching tribute to her furry companion of nearly two decades, who became a quiet but cherished member of the Roberts-Moder family.

“Our Myrtle. A Legend. 2006-2025 👑,” Roberts captioned a serene outdoor photo of Myrtle lounging in the grass, her soulful eyes gazing off into the distance. Adopted in 2006 as a rescue pup, Myrtle wasn’t just a pet—she was family. She grew up alongside Roberts’ three children: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, now 20, and son Henry, 17, whom she shares with cinematographer husband Danny Moder. The golden retriever mix was a constant presence in their low-key New Mexico ranch life, often spotted on family hikes and even making a surprise cameo in Roberts’ 2023 Chopard “Loves Cinema” campaign, where she stole the show from behind the scenes.

This isn’t the first time Roberts has opened up about Myrtle’s special place in her heart. In interviews, she’s described the dog as a “therapy animal” who helped her navigate the chaos of stardom, providing unconditional love during tough shoots and quiet family moments. “Myrtle was the one who never judged, just wagged,” Roberts once quipped to People magazine. But now, after 19 joyful years filled with belly rubs, beach walks, and stolen socks, the Roberts household feels a little emptier.

The announcement hit just days after Mother’s Day 2025, when Moder shared a rare family snapshot of Roberts beaming with her kids during an outdoor adventure—a reminder of the grounded, private life she’s fiercely protected amid her glittering career. Fans had already been swooning over the photo, but this follow-up post turned celebration into sorrow.

A Flood of Love and Support Pours In

As news spread like wildfire across social media, the outpouring of support has been nothing short of overwhelming. Roberts’ 12.8 million Instagram followers flooded the comments with broken hearts, paw prints, and heartfelt messages:

• @EmmaRoberts (her niece): “Aunt Julia, I’m so sorry. Myrtle was the best adventure buddy. Sending all the hugs to you and Uncle Danny. 🐾❤️”
• @GeorgeClooney: “Julia, your heart is as big as that smile of yours. Myrtle was lucky to have you. Thinking of the whole family. Love, G.”
• @Oprah: “Loss like this hurts deep, but the love she gave? Eternal. Holding you close, friend. 🌟”
• @AyoEdebiri: “Crying over here. Myrtle’s legend status lives on—much like her mom’s. Virtual dog park playdate in the stars? 💔”

Even non-celeb fans joined the chorus: “Julia, you’ve brought so much joy to us—let us send some back. Myrtle was family, and we’re family too. #RIPMyrtle” from @JuliaFanForever, which racked up over 50K likes. Hashtags like #MyrtleALegend, #JuliaRobertsTribute, and #PetLossSupport are trending on X, with users sharing their own stories of furry soulmates to comfort the star.

Roberts hasn’t responded publicly yet—true to form, she’s keeping this intimate grief close to her chest—but sources close to the family tell HELLO! that the messages mean the world. “Julia’s been reading them all with Danny and the kids. It’s a tough time, but the love is helping heal,” one insider shared.

Why This Hits So Hard: Pets as Family in Hollywood

In an industry full of glitz and glamour, stories like this remind us that celebrities grieve just like the rest of us—and often, our pets are the unsung heroes holding it all together. Roberts, a vocal advocate for animal rescue (she’s long supported Best Friends Animal Society), has always woven her love for animals into her life. Myrtle’s passing echoes similar heartbreaks in Tinseltown, from Taylor Swift’s recent farewell to her cat Meredith to Oprah’s tributes to her late dogs. But for Roberts, who rarely shares personal lows, this feels especially raw.

As she promotes her upcoming thriller After the Hunt (slated for a 2026 release), Roberts is taking time to grieve privately. “Family first, always,” she told Vogue last month. And while no one can replace Myrtle’s paw prints, the wave of support proves one thing: Julia Roberts isn’t facing this alone.

Our hearts go out to Julia, Danny, and the kids. If you’ve lost a pet, know you’re not alone—share your stories below. What’s one memory of your fur baby that makes you smile through the tears? Let’s honor Myrtle (and all our legends) with love. 🐶💕

What do you think? Drop a comment with your thoughts on Julia’s strength or your own pet tributes. Tag a friend who needs this reminder that grief shared is grief halved.

Sources: Instagram (@juliaroberts), HELLO! Magazine, The Mirror, People. Images via Getty and Julia’s IG.
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