Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert have stepped into the most beautiful role of their lives — parenthood. The Dancing With the Stars judge and his wife have officially welcomed their first child, and honestly, the joy feels contagious. Fans across the globe are smiling, tearing up, and celebrating right along with them.
This moment isn’t just about a celebrity baby. It’s about love, patience, healing, and new beginnings. And wow, what a journey it’s been.
A Little Star Is Born
On December 29, 2025, Derek and Hayley welcomed their baby girl, Everley Capri Hough, into the world. A few days later, they shared the news with fans through a soft, intimate Instagram post. The photo said everything without saying much at all — their hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny feet.
Their caption was short, emotional, and straight from the heart:
“Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed.”
Pause for a second. That’s the kind of line that makes you stop scrolling, sigh deeply, and feel something real.
No flashy announcement. No over-the-top production. Just pure love.
A Journey Marked by Love and Resilience
This joyful chapter didn’t come easily. Before Everley’s arrival, Derek and Hayley walked through some very painful seasons.
Earlier in 2025, the couple experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage — a loss they later opened up about with honesty and grace. On top of that, Hayley had faced a serious health scare just a year before. In late 2023, doctors discovered a cranial hematoma in her brain, which required emergency surgery.
It was a frightening time. Recovery wasn’t quick or simple. But Hayley showed incredible strength, and Derek never left her side. Seeing her now, holding her baby, feels nothing short of extraordinary.
That’s why so many people are calling Everley a “rainbow baby.” After storms, rainbows appear. And this one is shining bright.
From Dance Partners to Life Partners
Derek and Hayley’s love story feels like something straight out of a movie — but with real-life bumps along the way.
They first met back in 2013 while touring together for So You Think You Can Dance. At first, it was just friendship. Years later, in 2017, that friendship quietly turned into romance.
Fast forward a bit, and everything clicked into place. Derek proposed in 2022, and the couple tied the knot in August 2023 in a romantic ceremony surrounded by loved ones. From the outside, their relationship has always looked grounded — full of teamwork, respect, and shared passion.
Starting a family was a dream they held close to their hearts.
Sharing the Pregnancy Joy
When Derek and Hayley announced their pregnancy in July 2025, the internet lit up. Their reveal video was tender and emotional. Hayley held ultrasound photos while smiling through happy tears — the kind that say, “We’ve been through a lot to get here.”
They described the moment perfectly: the biggest thing to happen to them felt incredibly small, yet life-changing.
Fans instantly felt the weight of that happiness.
Derek as a Dad: Ready and All In
Derek didn’t shy away from sharing his excitement about becoming a father. In interviews before Everley’s birth, he spoke openly about how real everything suddenly felt — especially seeing Hayley’s growing baby bump.
He admitted feeling overwhelmed at times, but in the best possible way. He talked about imagining first laughs, first steps, sleepless nights, and yes, maybe even a little dancing around the living room someday.
You could tell — this wasn’t just nerves. It was love already taking shape.
An Outpouring of Love from Fans
Once the baby news dropped, messages poured in from fans, friends, and fellow dancers. People weren’t just congratulating them — they were celebrating the story behind the moment.
So many found something relatable here. A couple that faced setbacks. A woman who fought her way back to health. Two people who held onto hope when things felt uncertain.
That’s why this announcement hit different.
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