Derek Hough, the Dancing With the Stars judge, and his wife, Hayley Erbert, have welcomed their first child together — a daughter named Everley Capri Hough, born on December 29, 2025. After announcing their pregnancy in July 2025 and sharing candid moments about their journey, including dealing with pregnancy loss, the couple now celebrates this joyous milestone. From heartfelt Instagram announcements to emotional reflections on fatherhood and motherhood, this article dives deep into Derek and Hayley’s journey to parenthood, their relationship, and how Everley is already changing their lives.
A Joyful Arrival: Everley Capri Hough
On December 29, 2025, Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, welcomed their first child into the world — a daughter they named Everley Capri Hough. The couple announced the news on January 5, 2026, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post that captured their emotions perfectly. A touching photo of tiny baby feet and hands accompanied their message:
“Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed.”
Fans quickly reacted to the announcement with congratulations and love, flooding the couple’s social media with heartfelt messages. It was a moment that resonated with many, as Derek and Hayley’s journey to parenthood had been shared openly and authentically.
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Derek Hough: From Dance Floors to Fatherhood
Derek Hough is best known for his incredible career in dance and television. As a professional dancer, choreographer, and Dancing With the Stars judge, Derek has won multiple Emmy Awards and earned a reputation as one of the most skilled dancers in the entertainment industry. His charisma on and off the stage has made him a beloved figure in American households.
Beyond his professional life, Derek’s personal journey has always been candidly shared with fans, making the announcement of Everley’s arrival even more special. His reflections on fatherhood, emotional insights during pregnancy, and the excitement he felt when hearing his baby’s first heartbeat all highlighted his deep connection to this life-changing moment.
Hayley Erbert: From Stage Partner to Life Partner
Hayley Erbert, also a professional dancer, met Derek while working on his Move Live On Tour. Their shared passion for dance quickly grew into a romantic relationship, and the pair became inseparable both on and off stage. Hayley joined Dancing With the Stars as part of the troupe, further solidifying her place in the public eye and her bond with Derek.
Hayley’s elegance, poise, and strength were on full display during her pregnancy. She shared candid Instagram posts about her journey, including moments of joy, anticipation, and gratitude for the life growing inside her. Her openness made fans feel part of the experience, and her journey was celebrated widely across social media.
Their Journey to Parenthood: Triumphs and Challenges
Derek and Hayley’s path to parenthood was not without hurdles. In early 2025, the couple revealed that they had experienced a miscarriage prior to discovering Hayley was pregnant with Everley. They shared this vulnerable moment publicly during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, acknowledging the heartbreak and the profound emotions that come with pregnancy loss.
Despite the challenges, their resilience and love for each other shone through. By July 2025, they announced Hayley’s pregnancy with excitement and hope, sharing a sonogram video on Instagram and capturing the joy of expecting their first child. Fans responded with overwhelming support, celebrating the couple’s perseverance and the upcoming addition to their family.
Derek’s Reflections on Fatherhood
Derek has spoken openly about the anticipation and emotional significance of becoming a father. In interviews during the pregnancy, he described feeling transformed by the experience:
- First kicks: Derek said the moment he felt the baby move was “vivid and life-changing,” providing a profound sense of connection.
- Preparation: Derek attended prenatal classes, learning about childbirth and infant care to support Hayley fully.
- Emotional growth: He reflected on how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on life, priorities, and love.
Fatherhood, Derek emphasized, is about more than just care — it is about presence, support, and emotional investment, all of which he embraced wholeheartedly.
The Meaning Behind Everley Capri
The couple chose the name Everley Capri Hough thoughtfully. “Everley” evokes timelessness and beauty, while “Capri” suggests warmth, sunshine, and a sense of adventure. The name reflects their hopes for their daughter — a life filled with love, joy, and limitless potential.
Their announcement also highlighted the transformative impact Everley has already had on their lives. Derek described how she has opened their hearts and brought new meaning to everyday moments, reinforcing the emotional depth of parenthood.
Preparing for Parenthood: A Partnership in Action
Derek and Hayley approached parenthood as a team effort. From attending prenatal classes together to setting up the nursery, the couple shared responsibilities and supported each other emotionally and physically.
Hayley focused on wellness, nutrition, and bonding with her baby, while Derek prioritized learning about newborn care, reading parenting books, and practicing hands-on skills. Their preparation was both practical and emotional, ensuring they entered this new chapter equipped and united.
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Public and Fan Reactions
The announcement of Everley’s birth quickly went viral. Fans, friends, and celebrities congratulated the couple across social media, expressing excitement and admiration. Many praised Derek and Hayley for sharing both the joys and challenges of their journey, creating a sense of community and support among fans who followed every milestone.
Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, publicly celebrated the birth, highlighting the close-knit family support and the collective joy surrounding Everley’s arrival.
The Couple’s Relationship: A Strong Foundation
Derek and Hayley’s relationship spans over a decade, beginning with their professional collaboration in 2014. Key milestones include:
- 2015: They officially began dating.
- 2023: Married in a private California ceremony.
- 2025: Shared a miscarriage and later announced Hayley’s pregnancy.
- December 29, 2025: Welcomed daughter Everley Capri Hough.
Their journey reflects not only love and companionship but also resilience, trust, and shared purpose. Parenthood is the next chapter in their ongoing story of mutual support and growth.
Parenthood in the Spotlight
While Derek and Hayley value privacy, their openness about parenthood has made them relatable to fans. Sharing pregnancy updates, reflections on emotional experiences, and glimpses of their life together has strengthened their connection with their audience.
Everley’s arrival is expected to influence Derek’s professional life as well, with the dancer and choreographer likely balancing his career with family responsibilities. Fans are eager to see how fatherhood shapes Derek’s public persona and creative endeavors in the coming years.
Looking Ahead: Life with Everley
Parenthood is a transformative experience, and for Derek and Hayley, it marks a new chapter of joy, discovery, and growth. From sleepless nights to first words and first steps, the couple is prepared to embrace all aspects of raising their daughter.
Everley’s presence already reflects the love, support, and unity of her family. Derek and Hayley are committed to nurturing her with care, teaching values of kindness, resilience, and creativity, and building lasting memories together.
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FAQs
What is the name of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s baby?
Their first child is a daughter named Everley Capri Hough.
When was Everley born?
Everley Capri Hough was born on December 29, 2025.
How did the couple announce the birth?
They shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a photo of their newborn’s tiny hands and feet with a touching caption about how Everley has changed their lives.
When did they announce their pregnancy?
The couple announced Hayley’s pregnancy in July 2025 with a creative sonogram reveal on social media.
Did they experience any challenges during pregnancy?
Yes, Derek and Hayley had a previous miscarriage before discovering they were pregnant with Everley, which they openly shared with fans.
How are Derek and Hayley preparing for parenthood?
They attended prenatal classes together, set up the nursery, and shared parenting responsibilities to ensure a supportive and balanced approach to raising their daughter.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
