Derek Hough, renowned judge on *Dancing with the Stars*, has recently embraced fatherhood, calling the arrival of his daughter Everley the “pinnacle” of both his life and career. Hough, who shares the new addition with his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, described the experience of parenthood as transformative, stating that all his previous achievements now feel secondary in comparison.
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The couple welcomed their baby girl in December of last year and announced the joyful news with a heartfelt post on Instagram. A striking black-and-white photograph depicted their hands tenderly cradling Everley’s tiny feet. Accompanying the image, they wrote, “December 29, 2025, Everley Capri Hough 🤍. Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open, and our world is forever changed.”
During an event at Disney’s Toast to Television Red Carpet on April 27, Hough spoke candidly about his new role as a father. At 40 years old, the star conveyed that while ambition in his career is fulfilling, nothing compares to the joy of being a parent. “Being a dad is the best,” he declared. “That’s the top. Everything else is just a bonus—do you know what I mean? That is the echelon right there.”
As Everley grows, Hough is enthusiastic about the possibility of her pursuing dance in the future. He believes that dance provides invaluable life skills, regardless of whether one aspires to dance professionally. He passionately voiced support for the art form, stating, “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.”
Earlier in April, the family celebrated their first Easter together, a milestone they documented through social media. A series of photos showcased Hough and Erbert Hough proudly holding their three-month-old daughter by a serene pond. In the captions, Hayley expressed their joy, writing, “Everley’s first Easter 🐣🐰💛.” The couple’s evident delight in these family moments is a testament to the new joys parenthood brings.
Before the birth of Everley, Hough shared his excitement about becoming a father during an appearance on the *Jennifer Hudson Show*. He recounted feeling a wave of emotion at the sight of his wife’s baby bump, often reminding himself of the impending change in his life. “Sometimes I forget,” Hough shared. “I’m doing things, and I just glance over there and I see her bump… and I’m like, ‘Whoa,’ I’m like, ‘I’m gonna be a dad.’ I cannot wait.”
Hough also described one particularly memorable moment when he first felt Everley kick. Reflecting on this experience, he conveyed how profound it was, saying, “I felt the baby kick for the first time, and it was that feeling that everybody talks about and describes, where all of a sudden everything became vivid and different.” He expressed his eagerness to embrace the feelings and experiences that come with fatherhood, observing that it would provide him with a new level of emotional depth.
The journey of parenthood has only just begun for Hough and Erbert Hough, and what is apparent is their immense love and commitment to creating a nurturing environment for their daughter. As they navigate the challenges and celebrations of family life together, Hough’s sentiments resonate with many new parents who find joy in the simple yet profound act of nurturing a new life.
As Everley grows up, it is clear that Derek Hough’s priority will lie in being a devoted father, cherishing the unique experiences that come with each developmental milestone. With both parents likely to share their love for dance, it remains exciting to consider how Everley will carve her own path in life, influenced by the artistic legacies of her parents.