Breaking:Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert Hough have welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Everley Capri Hough, in a deeply moving announcement that’s capturing hearts worldwide. The couple shared the news on January 5, 2026, revealing that Everley was born on December 29, 2025, after a long and emotional journey filled with love, loss, resilience, and gratitude.
But what makes this moment truly unforgettable isn’t just the arrival of their baby girl — it’s the story behind her birth and the outpouring of support flooding social media from fans and fellow stars alike.
Key Highlights
Baby Name: Everley Capri Hough
Date of Birth: December 29, 2025
Announcement Date: January 5, 2026
Parents: Derek Hough & Hayley Erbert Hough
Journey: Included prior medical emergencies & pregnancy loss
Fan Reaction: Overwhelmingly supportive and celebratory
A Story of Strength, Love & Hope
Derek Hough, the 40‑year‑old DWTS judge and professional dancer, and wife Hayley Erbert Hough, 31, announced Everley’s birth with a heartfelt Instagram post showing tiny newborn feet cradled in their hands. They wrote, “Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed.”
This joy follows a challenging journey: in December 2023, Hayley experienced a life‑threatening medical emergency involving a cranial hematoma and emergency brain surgery. Her incredible recovery and return to life, love, and now motherhood has been celebrated by fans and colleagues across entertainment circles. Fox News
Emotional Reactions From Fans & Celebrities
Julianne Hough, Derek’s sister, shared a heartfelt welcome for her niece: “Welcome to the world sweet angel Everley.”
Fans flooded comment sections with joy, with one saying, “So happy for your family!” while another added, “We can’t wait to see her tiny dancing feet.”
Other stars, including Heidi Klum and Kate Hudson, also sent warm congratulations online.
Why This Matters
Everley is not just a celebrity baby — she’s what many are calling a “rainbow baby”: a child born after previous heartbreak and loss. The couple openly shared their journey through pregnancy loss in October 2025 during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, helping raise awareness and offering comfort to others who have experienced similar grief.
Model and media analyst Sarah J. Greene says:
“Public figures sharing deeply personal journeys — especially those involving loss and resilience — can create meaningful cultural conversations about grief, hope, and healing in ways that resonate far beyond celebrity circles.”
The Journey to Parenthood
Derek and Hayley’s love story began back in 2014 when Hayley joined the Move Live on Tour. They began dating in 2015, married in August 2023, and revealed their pregnancy with a charming Instagram video in July 2025. Wikipedia
Along the way, they navigated health scares and the emotional toll of pregnancy loss, sharing candid reflections that touched millions. Everley’s arrival symbolizes not only a new chapter but one shaped by courage, patience, and gratitude.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans on Reddit called the announcement “the sweetest news of the year” and praised the couple’s transparency and resilience. One fan wrote, “I’ve been waiting for this!!! So happy for them!”, while another joked about baby Everley’s potential future on the dance floor. Reddit
Conclusion: What Happens Next
Derek and Hayley are expected to take a moment of rest and privacy with their newborn, and may share more family photos and reflections on fatherhood and motherhood in the weeks ahead. Fans are also anticipating possible interviews as the couple continues promoting positivity around fertility journeys and recovery.
FAQs
Q: What is the baby’s full name and birthdate? A: The couple welcomed their daughter Everley Capri Hough on December 29, 2025.
Q: When did Derek and Hayley announce the pregnancy? A: They revealed their first pregnancy with a creative Instagram reveal in July 2025.
Q: What challenges did the couple face before the birth? A: Hayley survived emergency brain surgery in 2023 and the couple publicly shared past pregnancy losses.
Q: How have fans reacted to the news? A: Fans and celebrities alike have flooded social media with congratulations and well wishes.
Q: What show is Derek Hough known for? A: Derek is best known as a judge on Dancing With the Stars and for his dance career.
Read the full story on Star Struck Times to follow every update on Derek and Hayley’s journey into parenthood and more exclusive celebrity news!
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