Derek Hough, the charismatic dancer known for a record-breaking six Dancing with the Stars mirrorball trophies, has found his perfect partner off the dance floor. His life, once defined by choreography and competition, is now centered on his wife, Hayley Erbert, and their exciting journey into parenthood. Their story is one of profound partnership, having weathered significant challenges that have only strengthened their bond and prepared them for this new chapter. From a whirlwind of tours to a terrifying health scare, their path to building a family has been anything but ordinary, making the upcoming arrival of their first child a deeply cherished milestone.
For Derek and Hayley, the dance of life has been a masterclass in resilience. The couple, who began dating in 2015 after meeting on the “Move Live on Tour,” built a strong foundation over eight years before getting engaged. They celebrated their love with a beautiful outdoor wedding in Carmel, California, in August 2023. Just a few months into their marriage, however, they faced an unimaginable challenge when Hayley suffered a cranial hematoma after a performance in December 2023, requiring emergency brain surgery. Derek stood by her side throughout her remarkable recovery, a testament to their “in-sickness-and-in-health” vows.
Their resilience was tested again as they opened up about experiencing a pregnancy loss, a “silent heartbreak” they shared to honor the baby that never made it earthside. Through it all, their commitment never wavered, with Derek often expressing how their love has only deepened through these trials.
You Might Like: Aziz Ansari’s Private World: The Story of His Marriage
Building a Family and Looking Ahead
Today, the Hough household is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. In July 2025, Derek and Hayley announced that they are expecting their first child together, sharing their joy with a sonogram photo and the caption, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small.” This new baby is their “rainbow,” a symbol of hope and joy after their previous loss. While the couple had initially planned to keep the baby’s gender a surprise, Derek may have let a sweet clue slip during a Dancing with the Stars episode.
After an emotional father-daughter dance, he told the contestants, “Watching you two dance really made me excited to have my own moment with my—” before catching himself and switching to “with my own child.” This heartfelt moment has led to widespread speculation that they are expecting a daughter. Hayley has been sharing glimpses of her growing baby bump, and Derek lovingly referred to her in a social media post as “my babies,” hinting at their expanding family.
A Glimpse into the Hough Family Tree
While Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert are starting their own immediate family, Derek comes from a large and talented clan. He is the fourth of five children in the Hough family. His younger sister is fellow dancer and celebrity Julianne Hough, but he also has three older sisters who live out of the spotlight: Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine.
Despite not being professional dancers like their famous siblings, the family bond is incredibly tight, with Derek once affectionately calling them “the blonde squad.” Their parents, Marianne and Bruce Hough, are both dancers themselves, having met on a college ballroom dance team, proving that dance truly is the family business. Though his parents divorced, Derek remains close with both of them and his step-parents, often sharing family photos and gatherings.
Also See: Who Are Dylan Efron’s Parents? A Look at His Family Tree
From the ballroom to the wedding aisle and now to the nursery, Derek Hough’s life continues to evolve in beautiful and unexpected ways. His journey with Hayley is a powerful reminder that the most meaningful routines aren’t performed for judges, but are built together through love, perseverance, and a willingness to start anew. As they prepare to welcome their child, fans around the world are cheering them on, excited to see the next joyful dance this growing family will share.
