It was late 2023 when the world collectively held its breath for Hayley Erbert. If you follow Dancing with the Stars, you probably remember the terrifying headlines. A burst blood vessel. Emergency brain surgery. A craniectomy that left her fighting for her life in a Washington D.C. hospital. It was heavy stuff, honestly. So, when the news finally broke that Hayley Erbert pregnant was no longer just a rumor but a reality, it felt like the ultimate victory lap.
Fast forward to right now, January 2026, and that chapter has reached its most beautiful conclusion. Hayley and Derek Hough aren't just "expecting" anymore. They are officially parents.
The Journey to Everley Capri Hough
Life has a funny way of coming full circle. On December 29, 2025—just days before the ball dropped on a new year—Hayley and Derek welcomed their first child. They named her Everley Capri Hough.
If you're looking for the specifics, they didn't just blast it out the second it happened. They took about a week of "baby bubble" time, which, let's be real, every new parent deserves. They finally shared the news on January 5, 2026, with a classic black-and-white photo of their hands cradling those tiny newborn feet.
Derek, who’s usually the king of high-energy backflips and fast-paced choreography, sounded totally grounded when they posted:
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"Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open, and our world is forever changed."
It’s a "rainbow baby" story that actually carries some weight.
Why This Pregnancy Was Different
Before Everley arrived, the couple was surprisingly candid about the road there. It wasn't all sunshine and sonograms. Back in October 2025, which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, they opened up about a previous loss. They talked about a baby that "never made it earthside."
Knowing that makes the arrival of Everley feel even more like a miracle.
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A Recovery That Defied the Odds
You can't really talk about Hayley Erbert being pregnant without looking back at what she went through just two years ago. In December 2023, she suffered a cranial hematoma. To save her life, surgeons had to remove a piece of her skull. Most people would still be in bed, but Hayley was back on the dance floor remarkably fast.
She often posted about being "forever in awe" of her body. Think about it: she went from a life-saving cranioplasty to growing a human being in less than 24 months.
The Public Reveal and "Daddy Debuts"
Earlier this week, on January 15, 2026, the couple was spotted out in Calabasas for the first time with the stroller. It was super low-key. Derek was in a tan sweatshirt, Hayley in black leggings and a denim jacket. Just a normal family grabbing some fresh air.
Interestingly, Derek made what he called his "daddy debut" at the 2026 Golden Globes just a few days ago. He joked on Instagram about being out of the house for the first time since the birth, and Hayley—ever the supportive wife—hopped into the comments to call him a "baby daddy" with the fire emoji. They seem to be handling the sleep deprivation pretty well.
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Addressing the Privacy Debate
Social media is currently having a bit of a meltdown over how much they’re sharing. Or rather, what they aren't sharing.
The Houghs have been very intentional about not showing Everley’s face yet. You get the feet, the hands, the back of the head, but no full-face reveals. Some fans are annoyed, saying they’ve followed the pregnancy journey for months and want to "see" the baby. Others are (rightly) pointing out that they don't owe anyone their kid's privacy.
Whatever side you're on, it's clear they are prioritizing their daughter’s safety over likes.
What’s Next for the Hough Family?
If you think they're slowing down, think again. Derek is already prepping for his Symphony of Dance: Encore tour, which is set to hit the road from June to August 2026.
Word is that Hayley actually encouraged him to go back on tour. She’s always been the tougher one of the two, let's be honest. Whether she joins him on stage for a few numbers or stays backstage with Everley remains to be seen, but the "dance family" is definitely growing.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Respect the Bubble: If you’re following them on Instagram, expect more "hand and feet" shots. They’re clearly keeping the baby’s face private for now.
- Watch the Tour Dates: The 2026 tour is the first big project post-baby. Expect some emotional tributes to Everley in the choreography.
- Health Advocacy: Hayley’s story continues to be a massive source of awareness for brain health and recovery. Following her journey often provides insights into the "invisible" side of trauma recovery.
The story of Hayley Erbert and her pregnancy isn't just a celebrity news blurb. It’s a pretty intense look at resilience. From the brink of a medical catastrophe to the joy of a newborn, the Houghs have basically lived through a decade’s worth of life in two years. Now, they're just focused on being mom and dad to Everley.