“Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Confirm They’re Ready to Start a Family with Baby No. 1!”

“Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Confirm They’re Ready to Start a Family with Baby No. 1!”

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Confirm They’re Ready to Start a Family with Baby No. 1!

 

After years of dazzling audiences with their electric chemistry on the dance floor, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert are taking their most exciting step yet — starting a family.

The beloved dance duo, who tied the knot in a romantic California wedding in August 2023, have officially confirmed that they are ready to welcome baby No. 1 into their lives.

 

The news has fans of the Dancing with the Stars judge and his wife buzzing with excitement, and it’s no wonder — the couple has always radiated love, partnership, and shared dreams.

Now, they’re ready to grow their love story by embarking on the beautiful journey of parenthood.

 

A Love Story Written in Rhythm

 

Derek Hough, a six-time Dancing with the Stars champion turned judge, first met Hayley Erbert when she joined the show’s troupe of professional dancers in 2015.

Their connection was instant, though they kept their romance relatively private in the early years.

 

By 2017, their bond had become more public as they began performing together outside of DWTS, including in Derek’s live tours and appearances.

Their undeniable chemistry — both on stage and off — captured fans’ hearts, and they quickly became one of the most adored couples in the dance community.

 

Over the years, the pair have shared glimpses of their life together via social media:

scenic vacations, quiet moments at home, and countless dance collaborations that speak to the depth of their connection.

In June 2022, Derek proposed to Hayley in an intimate and dreamy moment, and the couple said “I do” just over a year later.

Ready for the Next Step

Now, with nearly a year of marriage under their belts, Derek and Hayley are ready to grow their family.

In a recent interview with People magazine, the couple opened up about their desire to become parents — a topic they’ve both felt drawn to for quite some time.

“We’ve always known that we wanted to start a family,” Derek shared.

“We just wanted to make sure we were in a place where we could give our full selves to the journey — and now, we’re there.”

Hayley echoed her husband’s sentiment.

“We’ve built such a strong foundation, and there’s so much love between us,” she said.

“Bringing a child into that — into a home filled with love and support just feels like the most natural next step.”

The couple didn’t reveal a timeline or pregnancy announcement just yet, but their tone was confident and hopeful.

According to sources close to the couple, they’ve already begun planning for what life as parents might look like, including carving out more time at home and designing a nursery space in their Los Angeles home.

A New Chapter in Their Dance

For fans who have followed Derek and Hayley’s careers, the idea of the couple becoming parents feels like the next act in an already inspiring story.

Both have had full careers in the dance world — Derek as a multi-Emmy-winning choreographer and judge, and Hayley as a talented professional dancer and performer who has captivated audiences for years.

With their schedules now more aligned and focused on projects they can pursue together, they’re prioritizing family in a way they hadn’t before.

“Dance will always be a part of who we are,” Derek said. “But now we’re dreaming of bedtime stories, first steps, and all the little moments in between.”

Hayley added, “We’ve spent so much of our lives performing — sharing joy with others. Now we want to experience a different kind of joy — the kind that comes from building a family.”

Support from Family and Friends

The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from friends, family, and fellow performers.

Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, who has been a constant source of love and support for the couple, expressed her excitement in an Instagram post shortly after the news broke.

“Derek and Hayley will be the most incredible parents,” Julianne wrote.

“They lead with love in everything they do, and I can’t wait to see them take on this next beautiful role together.”

Fellow DWTS pros like Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, and Sharna Burgess also chimed in with congratulations, with many noting that the couple has always had a nurturing energy that will translate perfectly into parenthood.

Even fans across social media were quick to share their excitement. “Their baby is going to dance before they walk!” one user joked.

Another wrote, “I’ve been following them since they started dating — this feels like such a full-circle moment!”

Looking to the Future

While Derek and Hayley are keeping some details private — like exactly when they plan to start trying or whether they’d prefer a boy or girl — what’s clear is that they’re deeply aligned in their vision for the future.

They’ve spoken about wanting to raise a child who is kind, creative, and curious about the world.

“We hope to teach our child about expression, about empathy, about movement and joy,” Derek said.

“And we want them to know what it means to be loved fully — not just by their parents, but by a community.”

Hayley shared that she’s especially looking forward to creating family traditions and watching Derek become a father.

“He’s already so nurturing and playful.

I can only imagine how magical it’s going to be to see him with our child.”

A Legacy of Love

As Derek and Hayley prepare to step into parenthood, they’re not just creating a family — they’re building a legacy.

One that’s rooted in respect, love, creativity, and the kind of partnership that inspires others.

Their journey from dance partners to life partners has been nothing short of captivating.

Now, as they look ahead to becoming mom and dad, it’s clear that their next chapter may be their most meaningful yet.

Whether they’re choreographing a new number or painting a nursery, Derek and Hayley are embracing every moment with grace and gratitude.

And while they’ve spent their careers moving to the rhythm of music, it’s the rhythm of a heartbeat perhaps a little one soon to come  that’s guiding them now.