Jenna Dewan credits her daughter for her upcoming appearance on “Dancing with the Stars.” The “Step Up” actress opened up to PEOPLE about how she became part of the cast. Dewan was unveiled with the other participants on “Good Morning America” on September 2. The season is set to have the joint-largest cast in the show’s history with sixteen pairings. According to Dewan, however, her participation would not have happened had her daughter not inadvertently made it happen.
Dewan, 45, shares her daughter, Everly, 13, with ex-husband Channing Tatum. The actress told PEOPLE about the events leading up to her casting that involved Everly. As revealed by Dewan, it all came about after she took her daughter to the previous season’s finale.
Jenna Dewan Took Her Daughter To The Previous ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season Finale
Jenna Dewan wasted no time confirming her participation in the 35th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” The actress uploaded a humorous video with her pro, Val Chmerkovskiy, calling herself the “best partner this season.” In another post, Dewan shared photos and videos from her photoshoot with Chmerkovskiy. The announcement has received a positive response, with many calling her the favorite for her role in the dance hit “Step Up.”
According to Dewan, her appearance may not have been possible had it not been for her daughter. Everly Tatum is a “huge fan of the show” and insisted her mother take her to the previous season’s finale. After acquiring tickets to the show, the actress was asked to star in it for the current cycle. Dewan confirmed she had not been approached in any of the prior seasons to join.
While she isn’t certain if her presence at the season finale was definitely the reason, Dewan feels she was “put on the radar” for her appearance. Even so, “The Rookie” star was “lit up” the moment she was given the opportunity. Dewan confessed she “felt the yes inside” as soon as the show asked her to join.
Jenna Dewan Shares A Love Of Dance With Her Daughter
Jenna Dewan affectionately calls Everly her “bestie.” The mother-daughter duo share a close relationship and have similar interests. In an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark” in May, the actress talked about Everly’s interest in dance. Dewan revealed Everly has been involved in dance and cheerleading at school, with a particular fondness for Irish dance.
Everly has also become interested in her mother’s role in “Step Up.” The actress met her ex-husband, Channing Tatum, when the pair starred as love interests in the film. The two were married in 2009, welcoming Everly in 2013. The pair were divorced by November 2019.
Dewan began dating actor Steve Kazee in 2018 while separated from Tatum. She gave birth to their son, Callum Michael Rebel Kazee, in March 2020. The two welcomed daughter Rhiannon Lee Kathryn Kazee in 2024. Dewan and Kazee announced their engagement in February 2020 but are yet to marry. According to the actress, Everly has been heavily involved in the wedding preparations.
“She has input in everything, and she really has opinions when it comes to this. So she’s very much involved in the process,” Dewan told PEOPLE in December 2025. “[She] wants to make sure it’s fun.”
