Julia Roberts reveals devastating family loss in emotional post

Julia Roberts announced the devastating loss of her family dog Myrtle in an emotional Instagram post on Friday.

The Pretty Woman actress, 57 – who has often been seen on outings with the rescue pup that she adopted back in 2006 – uploaded a photo of Myrtle that had been taken outside.

In the caption, she penned to her 12.8 million followers: ‘Our Myrtle. A Legend. 2006-2025,’ followed by a crown emoji.

Her husband Daniel Moder – whom she tied the knot with in 2002 – also shared a special tribute to their beloved companion.

He included a picture of Myrtle and typed out, ‘The definition of Fierce Loyalty, even if she bit the pizza man once. RIP Mytlle…aka Myrtle Von Mertzenberger.’

The beloved dog was also no stranger to being in front of the camera and notably made an appearance alongside Roberts for her Chopard Loves Cinema campaign in 2023.

Julia Roberts, 57, announced the devastating loss of her family dog Myrtle in an emotional Instagram post on Friday; seen in February in Paris

The Pretty Woman actress – who has often been seen on outings with the rescue pup that she adopted back in 2006 – uploaded a photo of Myrtle that had been taken outside

Julia – who is a global ambassador for the luxury jewelry brand – took part in a 12-episode digital series for the campaign which gave a closer glimpse at her life in Hollywood.

The mini short films were directed by James Gray and in one snippet, Myrtle could be seen jumping up next to the actress while on set.

A release at the time described the BTS moments as the star ‘spreading her joy and larks.

‘She knits, finds something nice to say about everyone, slips into trainers under her glamorous dresses, takes over the camera herself and interrupts her script rehearsal to cuddle her dog Myrtle that jumps on her lap.’

Social media users jumped to the comment section of both Julia and Daniel’s posts to offer their condolences.

One penned, ‘Oh no. So sorry for your loss! She was a star in Chopard Loves Cinema! I’m sure she had the best life with your family. Rest easy Myrtle!’

Another wrote, ‘Myrtle, may you take the wonder and acclaim you lived with to the rainbow bridge. You are indelibly etched in hearts forever.’

‘Heartbroken. I love you all,’ a comment read, while British editor Edward Enninful added, ‘So so sorry for your loss!!!’

Her husband Daniel Moder – whom she tied the knot with in 2002 – also shared a special tribute to their beloved companion; seen in 2020 in L.A.

He also included a picture of Myrtle and typed out, ‘The definition of Fierce Loyalty, even if she bit the pizza man once. RIP Mytlle…aka Myrtle Von Mertzenberger’

The mini short films were directed by James Gray and in one snippet, Myrtle could be seen jumping up next to the actress while on set

Social media users jumped to the comment section of both Julia and Daniel’s posts to offer their condolences

Another wrote, ‘Myrtle, may you take the wonder and acclaim you lived with to the rainbow bridge. You are indelibly etched in hearts forever’

Roberts has previously shown her love for animals by taking part in a fundraiser late last year in December.

She partnered with Be Love Apparel to shed light onto the dog rescue organization called Frankie Lola and Friends.

At the time, she jumped to her Instagram page to share a sweet selfie with one of her other adorable dogs.

‘It’s GIVE BACK TUESDAY!! I am Thrilled my amazing friends @beloveapparel are donating profits from every “WE ARE FAMILY” purchase to Frankie Lola and Friends @lisachiarelli An incredible dog rescue organization!

‘Lisa and her team work like crazy to find loving homes for pups in desperate need! What could be better than that!’

The tragic update comes just days after Julia celebrated Mother’s Day over the past weekend and appeared in a rare snap with her three children. 

The Notting Hill actress shares twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 20, and son Henry, 17, with husband Daniel.

He uploaded a memorable picture of Roberts as she posed with their kids outside underneath the warm sunshine.

Roberts has previously shown her love for animals by taking part in a fundraiser late last year in December

Moder captioned the photo by typing out: ‘Mothers make the coolest stuff. Love these guys.’

During an interview with Today in 2023, Julia opened up about her children now that they are older.

‘I parent them the same way out of the house that I parented them in the house, which is, you know, “Are you getting enough sleep?”

‘And “You sound like you’re sick.” And “Are you drinking tea?” And “Text me when you get home you get home (so) I can see that you’re home safe and sound.”‘

The star added, ‘And I have an immense amount of appreciation for both of my older kids because they still allow me to be the same mom to them and it’s not eye-rolling and there’s a huge amount of understanding.’

Roberts also previously talked about her kids to Extra and said daughter Hazel takes clothing from her closet.

However, the pair differ when it comes to taste in jewelry and explained, ‘She’s more bohemian in her aesthetic.’

The Notting Hill actress shares twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 20, and son Henry, 17, with husband Daniel

‘I believe that my husband loves me and cares for me in a way that makes me feel deeply, deeply happy,’ Roberts added

Julia also made rare comments about her husband Daniel during an interview with British Vogue last year.

While on the topic of how she maintains her ‘lustrous youth,’ the actress gave a special shout out to Moder.

‘Good genes, leading a life that is fulfilling, and I have said this – and I say it usually as kind of a joke – but I do believe in the love of a good man.

‘I believe that my husband loves me and cares for me in a way that makes me feel deeply, deeply happy,’ Roberts added.