Derek Hough and wife Hayley Erbert are preparing to welcome their first child together and the “Dancing With the Stars” judge took a moment to reflect on their expanding family. See what the “DWTS” star said about how they’ve been preparing for their baby’s arrival.
Derek Hough Holds Back Tears While Talking About Fatherhood
In a November 2025 interview with E! News, Hough shared how he and his wife are handling their impending parenthood in different ways.
He noted that when he’s “freaking out,” “emotional” or “crying,” Erbert “has been the Zen Buddha, just at peace. She’s been incredible.”
The “DWTS” judged called her “badass,” noting, “It’s been really amazing to watch, to observe and to just witness her being an incredible mother before she has this child.”
Hough touched on some of the classes they’ve taken to prepare for their baby. “Just all these different things and all these tools to really understand this birth, because it’s going to be a very intimate birth,” he shared. “It’s going to be a little bit different, so I have to make sure I know what I’m doing.”
As for becoming a dad for the first time, Hough got teary eyed, noting, “I get emotional thinking about it … where I get to guide, mentor, love this human being from day one.”
He continued, “It’s gonna be amazing and I’m looking forward to what it all is going to do and mean for me as a dad, as a person, as a man and what’s going to evolve within me and change.”
Hough Shares Touching Tribute to His ‘Amazing Wife’
On November 23, Hough took to Instagram to share a photo of his pregnant wife and some sweet words as they make the journey into parenthood.
“Sometimes I look at my beautiful wife and I’m just in awe. Watching her navigate this pregnancy with such grace, calm, and strength is one of the most beautiful experiences of my life,” he wrote in the caption.
Hough continued, “In the middle of all the craziness and the whirlwind of life, she’s been this serene, almost Buddha-like presence, just so peaceful and strong.”
“I get emotional thinking about how grateful I am for her resilience and love,” he shared. “After everything she’s been through these past few years, the challenges, the losses, and the triumphs, seeing her now carrying new life with such beauty and strength just fills my heart.”
Hough added, “I’m so proud and can’t wait to welcome this little one into the world, to love them with every fiber of my being. Here’s to the incredible journey ahead and to my amazing wife who inspires me every day.”
