Alix Earle Shines on Dancing with the Stars, Supported by Stepmom Ashley Dupré

Alix Earle is making waves on the latest season of *Dancing with the Stars*, where she competes alongside professional dancer Brandon Armstrong. As the reality competition airs on ABC every Tuesday night, the support from her stepmother, Ashley Dupré, has been evident through social media posts that capture the behind-the-scenes moments of their journey together. Their bond has grown significantly since Dupré joined the family, providing Alix with encouragement as she navigates the pressures of the show.

Ashley Dupré, who married Alix’s father, Thomas Earle, on October 13, 2013, in Paris, has become a steadfast presence in Alix’s life. Their relationship has evolved from initial tension to a supportive connection. In a recent episode of her podcast *Hot Mess*, Alix shared that she and her sister, Ashtin, initially struggled with the change but now consider Ashley a sister figure. “I don’t want people to think that … our parents got divorced and we were like, ‘Hey, we’re a big perfect family,’ because it was like years and years of us fighting and hashing it out,” Alix explained.

Ashley Dupré’s background includes a challenging upbringing in New Jersey, where she left home at the age of 17 to pursue a music career in New York City. Her life took an unexpected turn when she became involved in an escort service, which led to her connection with former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. In a candid interview with *PEOPLE* in November 2008, Dupré reflected on the painful impact of the scandal on her family, particularly when her mother discovered the truth.

Today, Ashley uses her influence on social media to share her experiences as a mother and the joys of family life. With over 300,000 followers on TikTok, she posts relatable content, including light-hearted memories from her life with Alix and Ashtin. A recent throwback video showcased a humorous incident when the teenage girls accidentally locked themselves out of their home, capturing a candid moment that resonated with many followers.

The dynamics of the Earle family have often been in the public eye, especially after Ashley’s relationship with Thomas began in 2008, which coincided with the fallout from the Spitzer scandal. Alix recalled during a September 2023 episode of *Call Her Daddy* how her family had shielded her from the media attention during her childhood. “I felt like my world crashed down in that moment,” she said, reflecting on her surprise upon learning how her parents had navigated the paparazzi.

Despite initial resistance, both Alix and Ashtin have embraced Ashley as part of their family. Alix recounted how, during their father’s wedding, she and her sister were taken by surprise when he revealed they had married in Paris. “At first, we weren’t very welcoming of Ashley,” she admitted, recounting their mischievous attempts to prank her. With time, their relationship blossomed, leading Alix to appreciate the blended family they have become.

Ashley Dupré has publicly praised Alix on numerous occasions, demonstrating the affection and admiration she holds for her stepdaughter. In a heartfelt Instagram post for Alix’s 15th birthday, Ashley described her as the “most amazing Big Sister and Step Daughter,” expressing pride in the person Alix is becoming.

In a recent interview with *Elle*, Alix shared how she frequently seeks Ashley’s advice on handling public scrutiny. “It’s brought us closer because she’s able to guide me through it,” Alix said, reflecting on Ashley’s understanding of the challenges that come with fame. Ashley’s reassurance has helped Alix navigate the pressures of being in the spotlight, reminding her that life continues despite the challenges.

As Alix Earle continues to shine on *Dancing with the Stars*, the support from Ashley Dupré serves as a testament to the evolving family dynamics and the power of resilience in their journey together.