5 Celebrities Who Said Goodbye to Their Pets in January

By Angelina Simmons, January 31, 2025

Every person who loses a pet is rightfully devastated, whether they’re famous or not. But sometimes when you see a celebrity discussing a pet’s death, it can make you feel less alone. 

This month was no different, with several celebs having to say goodbye to their best friends. Read on to see how five of them paid tribute to their pets. 

1. Russell Wilson and Ciara

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson and singer Ciara said goodbye to their beloved great Dane, Prince, on January 16. Wilson shared an emotional Instagram post memorializing Prince. 

“Prince, 12 years ago you came into my life,” Wilson said. “I got you my rookie year and you have been a blessing to our family with so many memories, hugs and kisses from our four kids and us. You will forever be a part of us. Today was a hard day. But you overcame cancer two times and lived 12 years when most live six. Heaven got a good one! Forever the Prince of Peace. Love you.”

2. Kesha

Singer Kesha paid tribute to her cat Carl after he passed away on January 24. “Carl my little chicken,” she wrote on Instagram, “you really broke my heart this time. I’ll see you in the next life my baby boy. God really outdid himself with this creature. 💔”

Along with her memorial for Carl, Kesha shared multiple photos and videos of him. In response to a slew of condolences, Kesha replied, “Thank you for these comments. I’m laying in my hotel room crying from all the kindness.”

3. Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex lost her beloved beagle, Guy, on January 7. She shared a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram alongside a variety of photos and videos of Guy.

“In 2015, I adopted a beagle from a dog rescue in Canada,” Markle wrote. “He had been at a kill shelter in Kentucky and given a few days to live. I swooped him up and fell in love. They referred to him as ‘the little guy’ because he was so small and frail, so I named him ‘Guy’. And he was the best guy any girl could have asked for.”

”I have cried too many tears to count,” she continued, “the type of tears that make you get in the shower with the absurd hope that the running water on your face will somehow make you not feel them, or pretend they’re not there. But they are. And that’s okay too. Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know ❤️‍🩹”

4. Ricky Gervais

Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais paid tribute to Antilly, the German shepherd who played his dog on the Netflix show “After Life,” on January 22. Though she wasn’t his pet, Gervais said he felt a special bond with her after spending so many hours filming together.

"Anti was a beautiful soul and she had helped make After Life my favorite filming experience of all time,” Gervais said about the dog, who was 13 when she passed away.

5. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

Singer John Legend and model Chrissy Teigen said farewell to their French bulldog, Penny, on January 26. Teigen shared a sweet tribute on Instagram.

“Our beautiful little tripod queen, Penny, passed on peacefully in her sleep today,” Teigen wrote. “Born the same day John and I got married, 11 years ago, she was there for us for every baby, every loss, every joy. She loved nothing more than being loved, having her nub rubbed and destroying any ball she could get her paw on, even til her last weeks.”

”Never forget that while every pup is just a few chapters in your long life, for them you are their entire book, their entire lives,” she continued. “Oh Penny. We were so beyond lucky to have you. Say hi to Puddy and Pippa for us. You are all together again. 🤍”