As “Wicked Night” approaches on Season 34 of Dancing With The Stars, Jen Affleck is fighting through an unexpected battle off the dance floor.
Her husband, Zac Affleck, has asked fans for prayers and support after revealing that the 26-year-old mom of three has spent most of the week sick in bed, just days before the cast steps into the ballroom for the highly anticipated Wicked-themed episode.
Affleck first disclosed the setback on Thursday, October 18, 2025, via Instagram Stories, posting a photo of herself in bed preparing to take a COVID/flu test. She confirmed she does not have COVID — but has been severely ill and unable to rehearse at her usual intensity.
“Couldn’t practice as much this week. With lots of rest and help from Zac and my family, we still pulled something off. This week tested me in ways I never imagined,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself resting in bed.
She also shared clips of receiving IV treatment and rehearsing in limited bursts with dance partner Jan Ravnik. Despite missing significant practice time, she praised Jan for his patience and for helping “perfect the dance in the little time we had.”
Zac Affleck also opened up on his own account, writing:
“Jen has been so sick… stuck in bed most of the week. Anyone who knows Jen knows how amazing of a mom she is. She would never ask — but she really needs all the help and prayers she can get right now.”
He added that by “chance or God,” Jen’s mother has been in town this week to make homemade meals and care for her daughter while she recovers and prepares emotionally for “Wicked Night.”
Affleck also revealed the deeply personal meaning behind this week’s performance, describing it as a tribute:
“This song is for mothers who show up daily, serve without days off, and suffer in silence — postpartum/prenatal included. I want every mom to feel seen and heard.”
With support from her family and partner Jan, Jen plans to step onto the ballroom floor despite the difficult week — adding a new layer of vulnerability and resilience to one of the season’s most anticipated theme nights.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
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