Guillermo Rodriguez Gifts Witney Carson a Dior Bag After Their ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Elimination

Guillermo Rodriguez showed his appreciation for his Dancing with the Stars partner Witney Carson with a thoughtful designer gift following their elimination from the competition.

Carson, 32, shared a photo of the present on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Oct. 14, revealing a baby-blue quilted Dior handbag gifted to her by Rodriguez and his family. The professional dancer captioned the photo, “Gift from Guillermo and fam why is he the sweetest!”

The sweet gesture came one day after the pair’s journey on the ABC dance competition came to an end during the show’s fifth week.

A Thoughtful Goodbye After Their Elimination

Rodriguez, 55, and Carson were eliminated during the Oct. 13 episode of Dancing with the Stars, despite earning their highest score of the season for their salsa performance to Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó.”

The duo received 22 out of 40 points on the show’s Super Bowl-themed night but ultimately landed in the bottom two and were sent home.

Rodriguez, best known as Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, had entered the competition without professional dance experience. Throughout the season, Carson helped him develop his skills while audiences watched him work to improve each week.

Their partnership became a fan favorite, with viewers responding to Rodriguez’s determination and the warm relationship he built with Carson.

Jimmy Kimmel Calls the Elimination an ‘Outrage’

Rodriguez’s elimination also prompted a humorous reaction from his longtime television colleague, Jimmy Kimmel.

During his Oct. 13 monologue, Kimmel joked about the results, describing the elimination as a “kick in the Mirrorballs.”

He later invited Rodriguez and Carson to participate in a behind-the-scenes interview, where he questioned whether they would accept the decision or consider taking legal action.

“I think we should take legal action,” Rodriguez joked, with Carson enthusiastically responding, “Absolutely. I’m ready.”

The playful exchange gave the pair another opportunity to share their sense of humor as they said goodbye to the competition.

Witney Carson Defends Her Partner’s Effort

Before their elimination, Carson had also addressed online speculation that she wanted to leave the show, particularly because she appeared visibly emotional when other couples were sent home.

In a TikTok video shared on Sept. 30, the dancer explained that her reactions reflected genuine sadness for the contestants who were eliminated, rather than a desire to exit the competition herself.

Carson emphasized that she was grateful to continue competing alongside Rodriguez, whom she praised for his dedication and willingness to learn.

“He is genuinely a kind person,” she said, adding that he never gave up and consistently practiced whenever he had the opportunity.

She also pointed out that what viewers saw during the live performances represented the best of Rodriguez’s hard work, even though he did not have the background of a trained dancer.

Her comments highlighted the respect that had developed between the two partners throughout their time on the show.

Carson Danced Through Her Pregnancy

Carson’s season was especially notable because she was pregnant with her third child while competing.

The two-time Mirrorball champion thanked fans for their concern about her and her baby’s health, explaining that she understood her physical limits and felt comfortable speaking up if she needed to slow down.

She has continued to share updates about her pregnancy and her experience balancing the demands of professional dancing with preparing to welcome another child.

Although her time on the show has ended, Carson’s partnership with Rodriguez gave her another memorable chapter in her Dancing with the Stars career.

One Last Dance and a Lasting Friendship

Following their elimination, Rodriguez and Carson reunited on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Oct. 14 for one final dance. Kimmel also looked back on Rodriguez’s run in the competition, praising the unlikely journey that had captured viewers’ attention.

For Rodriguez, the experience was about more than scores and eliminations. He expressed gratitude to the audience, the cast and Carson for helping him take on a challenge outside his comfort zone.

The Dior handbag was a personal way to thank his dance partner for the time they spent together.

While their ballroom journey has ended, the gift and their affectionate farewell offered a glimpse of the bond they formed throughout the season—one built on hard work, humor and mutual appreciation.