Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, celebrated a significant milestone as they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Everley, on December 29, 2025. The arrival of their baby has brought immense joy to the couple, especially following a series of personal challenges over the last few years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/derek-hough-julianne-hough-043026-06fa7c4d23e4465b97316605eb9f0603.jpg)
In a recent exclusive conversation with *PEOPLE* at the Disney’s Toast to Television Red Carpet event in Los Angeles, Derek shared positive insights about his sister, Julianne Hough. He expressed enthusiasm for her role as an aunt, predicting that she will spoil Everley immensely. He stated, “I mean, she’s gonna be the best aunt in the world. My girl’s gonna get spoiled — that’s for sure,” highlighting the supportive family dynamics surrounding Everley.
Derek, who is now 40, described the experience of fatherhood as “the pinnacle” of his life, marking a distinct shift in his priorities. He reflected on the pre-parenthood aspirations he harboured in the entertainment industry, emphasising that his new role as a father surpasses all previous achievements. “Being a dad now — that’s the pinnacle. That’s the top. Everything else is now just a bonus,” he noted, illustrating how deeply he values this new chapter of his life.
The artist has candidly shared how becoming a parent has profoundly changed his perspective. During the same interview, he recalled his first outing as a father at the 2026 Golden Globes. He recounted being asked about afterparties and finding himself unexpectedly emotional, saying, “No, no. I’m going straight home to my daughter … and now I got to go because I’m about to cry.”
The joy of welcoming Everley stands in stark contrast to challenges Derek and Hayley faced in their journey to parenthood. In 2022, the couple was involved in a serious car accident, leaving Hayley with significant injuries. A year later, during a performance on their Symphony of Dance tour, she experienced a life-threatening health scare due to a burst blood vessel that led to a brain bleed. Following emergency surgery, Hayley underwent a second operation to have a skull implant.
These experiences took a toll on both Derek and Hayley, but they also fortified their bond. “She’s been through so much,” Derek remarked about his wife. He praised Hayley’s strength and resilience, stating, “To see her go from where she was to now, giving birth, is amazing. My daughter has a great example here.”
Hayley added to the sentiment, calling Everley their “rainbow after the storm,” a poignant description of their journey towards parenthood amidst difficulties, including the heartbreaking experience of a miscarriage around the time of Hayley’s health crisis.
In addition to sharing their profound personal experiences, Derek expressed his hopes for Everley’s future, especially concerning dance. He underscored the positive attributes that dance can instil in individuals, regardless of whether they pursue it professionally. “Dance is so good for anybody, even if they don’t want to become a dancer — for discipline, for community, for awareness of your body, for control. I recommend it to every single human being on this planet,” he enthused, indicating that he hopes his daughter will appreciate dance’s benefits as she grows.
As the family embarks on this new journey together, Derek and Hayley Hough’s story serves as a testament to resilience, joy, and the profound bonds of family. The couple remains optimistic and excited about their future, with Everley at the centre of it all. They are ready to embrace the joys and challenges of parenting, armed with their experiences and an unwavering love for their daughter.