Danielle Fishel’s Dancing with the Stars journey came to a close during Week 8’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, and the milestone carried extra weight: the elimination fell on the Boy Meets World alum’s seventh wedding anniversary with husband Jensen Karp. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Karp celebrated his wife’s run on the ABC competition series with a message that underscored both her performance and her perseverance.
“I COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD OF THIS WOMAN! Elite 8, but number 1 to me (and the boys) always,” Karp wrote alongside photos of Fishel following Tuesday, November 4’s live show. He continued, “What a journey, what a force. And to leave on the perfect 40 team score? Love it. And I love YOU @daniellefishel!!!”
The couple shares two sons, Adler, 6, and Keaton, 4, and Karp’s post quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans and friends alike as Fishel and pro partner Pasha Pashkov wrapped their time in the ballroom.
DWTS Exit Lands On A Special Date For Fishel & Karp
Fishel and Karp married in Los Angeles on November 4, 2018, making this week’s elimination bittersweet timing for the pair. Earlier in the day, Karp marked their anniversary with a behind-the-scenes photo of Fishel rehearsing on a fog-filled stage. He wished her a happy anniversary, then asked followers to support Team Pashanelle “in lieu of gifts” by voting during the live broadcast.
He also teased how fitting Fishel’s routine would be for the occasion. Performing a contemporary number to Aerosmith’s "Dream On," Fishel used her Week 8 solo to spotlight issues that resonate far beyond the dance floor. “Her dance tonight is so fitting (and so special),” Karp wrote. “She will be telling a story about the difficulties women face in our society—whether it’s higher standards, the struggles of working moms, or the endless, conflicting expectations. And yet, my wife handles it all with grace and composure.”
The reality competition’s eighth week also featured a team segment that saw Fishel finish on a high note, with Karp highlighting a “perfect 40 team score” that capped her run. While the Mirrorball Trophy remains out of reach, Karp’s message kept the spotlight on what the experience meant for Fishel, both personally and artistically, rather than the final outcome.
Jensen Karp’s Tribute Celebrates Fishel’s Strength On And Off The Dance Floor
Karp’s Instagram tribute struck a balance between partner pride and anniversary sentiment. “I’m so happy the world gets to see her determination, joy, and unwavering support for friends every week on their TVs,” he added in his earlier post. “She’s a superhero—and now she’s a superhero who can do the Viennese Waltz.”
Throughout the season, Karp has been one of Fishel’s most vocal supporters, amplifying rehearsal peeks and encouraging votes while acknowledging the balancing act of a working mom competing on live television. His note emphasized the message behind Fishel’s Week 8 routine and the resolute calm she brought to every performance. It also doubled as a love letter to their partnership, marking seven years of marriage with a public acknowledgment of what the journey required at home.
Fishel reposted Karp’s anniversary tribute on her Instagram Story after the show, writing, “Happy anniversary, my love. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our family, which is the ONLY reason I’ve been able to have the GIFT of @dancingwiththestars.” Her response echoed a theme that’s run throughout the season: DWTS is a team effort for many contestants and their families, even when only two names are on the call sheet.
Support From Pasha Pashkov & Friends Caps An Emotional Exit
Fishel’s pro partner Pasha Pashkov applauded her in the comments of Karp’s post, writing, “A true champ!!!!!” The sentiment was matched by friends and fellow actors; Full House alum Andrea Barber added, “Doesn’t need a mirrorball to be a champion in our hearts.” Their responses mirrored the fan reaction, which zeroed in on Fishel’s growth across the season and the intention behind her Week 8 performance.
DWTS exits can be abrupt, but Fishel’s farewell arrived with a sense of closure: a high-scoring team number, a message-driven contemporary to a classic rock anthem, and a partner who celebrated the work with genuine gratitude. While the leaderboard ultimately determines who advances, the night’s social feeds told a different story—one of impact, community, and a family rallying around a loved one who pushed outside of her comfort zone on live TV.
Karp’s call for votes “in lieu of gifts” underscored how the competition dovetailed with their anniversary, turning what might have been a private celebration into a shared moment for viewers who have followed Fishel since the Boy Meets World years. That nostalgia, combined with Fishel’s evident joy in performing, helped make her DWTS arc feel like a victory in its own right.
For Fishel, the journey ends with an outpouring of support—from her husband, her dance partner, and friends who watched the run unfold week after week. And for Karp, the takeaway couldn’t be clearer: win or lose, the performance spoke louder than the placement. As he summed it up, it was “What a journey, what a force”—and a memorable way to mark seven years together.
