Derrick Hough to Daddy: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Celebrate Their First Baby.

Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are stepping into a brand-new chapter: parenthood. The Dancing With the Stars judge and his long-time partner shared the exciting news in July 2025, announcing via Instagram that they’re expecting their first child together. In a heartfelt video set to the soft melody of Alexander Jean’s “So Small,†Derek walks toward Hayley, they embrace, and Hayley reveals a strip of sonogram photos as the sun sets behind them. Their caption read, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small.â€

Derrick Hough

Their love story goes back many years. Derek and Hayley first crossed paths during Derek’s “Move Live†tour in 2014, when Hayley was hired as a dancer. The spark of romance grew, and by 2015, they were dating; after a long courtship, Derek proposed in June 2022, and they married in August 2023 in Monterey County, California.

Their path hasn’t always been easy. In December 2023, Hayley faced a serious medical emergency when she suffered a cranial bleed and required emergency surgery. But she made a remarkable recovery, returning to the stage in April 2024, and later even danced again on DWTS.

As for the baby, there’s little public detail on a name or a precise time and date of birth yet. The couple has kept the gender a secret, despite fans’ speculations and a few playful hints, like an Instagram video where Hayley answered old wives’ tales questions about her pregnancy, which led some followers to think they might be expecting a boy. While they haven’t officially shared the baby’s name or arrival date, the couple’s joy and gratitude are abundantly clear: Derek has posted tender keepsake moments, including a sweet video of Hayley cradling her bump.

Leading up to the birth, the pair celebrated with a dreamy baby shower surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. Derek has spoken publicly about how much he’s looking forward to being a dad. In interviews, he has shared his excitement about experiencing life’s small wonders, such as taking his child to Disneyland and seeing the world through their eyes.

Though many of the intimate details remain private, Derek and Hayley’s journey to parenthood already feels deeply personal and profoundly joyful. We’re all watching, waiting, and celebrating with them as they embrace this new phase together.