Derek Hough Embraces Fatherhood at 40

The Dancing With the Stars veteran opens up about becoming a first-time dad later in life.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:07am

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Derek Hough, the Emmy-winning dancer and choreographer, welcomed his first child, daughter Everley Capri Hough, with wife Hayley Erbert in December 2025. At 40 years old, Hough is embracing fatherhood later in life than some of his peers, but he sees it as a new and exciting chapter. Hough has partnered with Barilla to create quick workout routines that can be done while cooking Protein+ pasta, allowing him to stay active and focused on supporting his wife and new baby.

Why it matters

Hough's journey to fatherhood at 40 resonates with many people who are starting families later in life. His perspective on the fulfillment and excitement of this new chapter provides an inspiring outlook on the benefits of becoming a parent later in life.

The details

Hough, who met his wife Hayley Erbert when she joined the Dancing With the Stars troupe in 2015, said he's excited to approach parenting differently than he might have at a younger age. "I've had such a full and rich life," he told E! News. "I was like, 'Wow, I've done so much in my life already, and now I get to start over.' It's all brand new. I get to do this whole life thing, but in a totally different way now, and it has a lot more meaning and fulfillment and excitement." Hough has also partnered with Barilla to create quick workout routines that can be done while cooking Protein+ pasta, allowing him to stay active and focused on supporting his wife and new baby.

  • Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert met in 2014 when she performed on his and sister Julianne Hough's tour.
  • Hayley joined the Dancing With the Stars troupe in 2015.
  • Derek and Hayley began dating in 2015.
  • Hayley and Derek made their red carpet debut as a couple in 2017.
  • Derek and Hayley welcomed their daughter Everley Capri Hough on December 29, 2025.

The players

Derek Hough

An Emmy-winning dancer and choreographer who is best known for his work on the TV show Dancing With the Stars. He recently welcomed his first child, a daughter named Everley, with his wife Hayley Erbert.

Hayley Erbert

A dancer who met Derek Hough when she joined the Dancing With the Stars troupe in 2015. She is now married to Derek and the two recently welcomed their first child together.

Everley Capri Hough

The newborn daughter of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert, born in December 2025.

Barilla

An Italian pasta company that has partnered with Derek Hough to create a series of quick workout routines that can be done while cooking Protein+ pasta.

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What they’re saying

“I've had such a full and rich life. I was like, 'Wow, I've done so much in my life already, and now I get to start over.' It's all brand new. I get to do this whole life thing, but in a totally different way now, and it has a lot more meaning and fulfillment and excitement.”

— Derek Hough, Dancer and Choreographer

“I tell her every day, 'You're amazing. You were meant for this. You're such a great mom.' I'm even more in love with her. I'm just so in awe of her. It's amazing.”

— Derek Hough, Dancer and Choreographer

What’s next

As Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert continue to adjust to life as new parents, fans will be eager to see how the couple balances their careers and family life in the years to come.

The takeaway

Derek Hough's journey to fatherhood at 40 showcases the benefits of starting a family later in life, with the dancer expressing a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about this new chapter. His partnership with Barilla also highlights the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle as a new parent.