“Dancing with the Stars” pros Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, are getting ready to become first-time parents — and they marked the special moment with an intimate, star-studded baby shower in Los Angeles.
Held on Nov. 13 at Cosette Wine Bar + Bottleshop, the expecting couple celebrated their baby on the way surrounded by family, friends, and several familiar faces from the DWTS family. According to People, the event was organized by Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, along with friends Britt Stewart and Jessica Gee, and event planner Troy Williams of Simply Troy. Julianne described the celebration as “ethereal” and “dreamy,” honoring the couple’s next chapter.
“Hayley and Derek are such a beautiful match,” Julianne told People. “They are the perfect combination of creativity and strength, and they give so much love to each other and the people in their lives.”
Among the guests were DWTS alums Sasha Farber, Mark Ballas and his wife BC Jean, Daniel Durant, and Angela Ribeiro. Hayley, 31, glowed in a bright yellow Tularosa dress with her hair styled in loose curls by Jill Buck and natural makeup by Afton Williams. Guests participated in creative activities, including a baby succulent garden, kitten playtime with rescues from Kitten Rescue LA, and personalized diaper notes.
Julianne also presented the couple with a keepsake edition of Grimm’s Fairy Tales filled with handwritten notes and illustrations. “Having Derek, Hayley, and this new little angel living here in L.A. will be so amazing,” Julianne added. “I couldn’t be more excited to spoil the baby rotten.”
Preparing for Parenthood
The couple, who tied the knot in August 2023, are getting ready to welcome their first child this winter. In a recent Instagram video, Derek showed off their baby’s nursery-in-progress, revealing a cozy crib setup. Hayley commented, “The one and only thing we have in the nursery so far. But we’re slowlyyyy making progress 🥹🤣.”
Derek, 40, and Hayley first announced their pregnancy in July with a sweet video of them embracing against a scenic view, captioned, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small ♥️.” The couple, who dated for eight years before marrying, has continued to share glimpses of their journey while maintaining an element of surprise — especially when it comes to their baby’s gender.
Fans Think Derek Already Let the Secret Slip
While the pair hasn’t confirmed their baby’s sex, fans believe Derek may have accidentally revealed it — twice. During the Oct. 14 “Dedication Night” episode of “Dancing with the Stars”, the judge nearly said “daughter” while reflecting on a contestant’s father-daughter dance before quickly correcting himself. “Watching you two dance really made me excited to have my own moment with my— with my own child,” he said, sparking immediate speculation.
Weeks later, Derek posted a rehearsal clip of him and Hayley dancing, where many fans claimed they heard him say, “That’s my girls. That’s my baby.” The comment reignited theories that the couple is expecting a girl. “Twice he’s now slipped, so definitely a baby girl,” one fan commented.
Despite the speculation, the couple has kept details under wraps and continues to enjoy this season of anticipation. Their baby is expected to arrive in December and judging by the excitement surrounding their shower, they’re already surrounded by love and support.
