“DWTS” Judge Derek Hough and Wife Hayley Erbert Welcome First Baby Together
Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are dancing into a brand-new, heartwarming chapter of their lives: they’ve officially become parents! The “Dancing With the Stars” judge took to Instagram with his wife to share the joyful news of their sweet baby’s arrival and name. Fans, family, and fellow celebs have been sending congratulations as the new parents soaked in the early days of newborn life.
A Joyous Arrival
Hough and Erbert announced the birth of their first baby together — a daughter named Everley Capri Hough — born on Dec. 29, 2025. The couple revealed the news on Jan. 5, 2026, with a sweet snapshot of Everley’s tiny feet in a joint Instagram post, writing: “Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed.” Everley’s arrival marks a deeply meaningful milestone for the couple, who have shared both triumphs and trials on their journey to parenthood. Hough, 40, and Erbert, 31, tied the knot in August 2023 after years of dating and touring together.
Celebrations and Reactions
The moment their post was live, the love came flowing in. Fans and fellow celebs flooded the new parents with warm wishes. Derek’s sister, “DWTS” host Julianne Hough, wrote in the comments: “Welcome to the world sweet angel Everley.” Other stars, including Season 34 champion Robert Irwin and Dylan Efron, also weighed in with messages of love and congratulations for the new family. The wave of support wasn’t just about the birth of this precious baby — it showed just how invested people have become in Hough and Erbert’s journey.
A Journey Shaped by Resilience
Getting to this moment was a challenge in itself. In Oct. 2025, the couple courageously shared their experience of a previous pregnancy loss in a touching Instagram video, honoring their journey and the heartbreak they endured before Everley’s arrival. They referred to their newborn as their “rainbow baby,” — which is a symbol of hope after loss.
Erbert’s strength and resiliency have been displayed long before her pregnancy. In late 2023, she underwent emergency brain surgery to address a cranial hematoma, a terrifying ordeal that truly tested the couple. In a reflective Instagram post ahead of baby Everley’s birth, she reflected on the emotional roller coaster of recent years, writing about “seasons of loss, triumph, joy, endless fear, grief, healing, and quiet hope.” By sharing such traumatic experiences publicly, the couple sparked honest and open conversations about pregnancy loss and recovery, resonating with many who have faced similar traumatic events.
Reflections From the Parents-to-Be
Before Everley’s birth, Hough couldn’t contain his excitement for fatherhood. According to People, “Ahead of their newborn’s arrival, Derek opened up about his excitement for fatherhood on the Jennifer Hudson Show…’I felt the baby kick for the first time, and it was that feeling that everybody talks about and describes, where all of a sudden everything became vivid and different,’ he explained. ‘And I’m like, ‘Whoa, I’m going to be something that I’ve never [been.] I’m going to feel something I’ve never experienced before yet.’ And, I just can’t wait. I can’t wait.'” This was just a glimpse into how fully Hough was embracing the shift from performer and judge to father.
Looking Ahead
As Hough and Erbert step into this new role as parents, their story continues to inspire fans around the world. They’ve been transparent and vulnerable with their struggles, their healing, and their joy. Their precious daughter, Everley Capri Hough, isn’t just a new addition to their family — she is a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the enduring power of love. With an outpouring of support from friends, family, and fans, this chapter promises to be filled with joy, inspiration, and many cherished firsts.
