In a deeply emotional revelation that has moved fans around the world, Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough and his wife, professional dancer Hayley Erbert, have shared the devastating news of losing their unborn child — a baby they never got to hold, but will carry in their hearts forever.

The couple, known for their radiant love and passion both on and off the stage, took to social media to share their grief, posting a message that was both heart-wrenching and profoundly human.

“There are some things in life that change you forever,” Derek wrote. “For us, this is one of them — a chapter of love, loss, heartbreak, and everything in between.”

His words struck a chord across the entertainment world, prompting an outpouring of compassion from fans, colleagues, and fellow dancers who have followed the couple’s journey through marriage, health battles, and now, unimaginable loss.

A Journey Marked by Love and Resilience

Derek Hough, a six-time Dancing With the Stars champion turned judge, and Hayley Erbert, a longtime professional dancer on the same show, have become one of Hollywood’s most admired couples. Their relationship began in the DWTS ballroom, where they first met as performers, and blossomed into a partnership built on creativity, mutual respect, and unwavering love.

The pair married in August 2023 in a romantic ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and members of the dance community. Their wedding was a celebration of joy and new beginnings — a symbol of the deep connection they shared both on and off the dance floor.

In the months following their wedding, fans watched the newlyweds continue to perform together on tours and social media, often showcasing their breathtaking choreography and playful chemistry. Behind the lights and applause, though, they were quietly preparing for the next chapter of their lives — one that they hoped would include becoming parents.

A Loss Shared With Courage

While many celebrity couples choose to keep such personal tragedies private, Derek and Hayley’s decision to speak openly about their loss has been met with profound respect. Their honesty sheds light on a painful experience shared by millions of families — the grief of losing a child before birth, an often-silent heartbreak that too many endure alone.

In his statement, Derek did not share specific details about when or how the loss occurred, choosing instead to focus on the emotional and spiritual journey he and Hayley are navigating together.

“Grief and love often walk hand in hand,” he reflected. “We may never understand why, but we hold on to the love that remains — because it’s stronger than anything else.”

Hayley, too, shared a message expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received and the bond that continues to sustain them. Though she has not spoken publicly as frequently as her husband, friends close to the couple say she has found solace in Derek’s strength and the love of their close-knit family.

Fans and Friends Offer Their Support

The announcement quickly drew an outpouring of love and sympathy from around the world. Fellow Dancing With the Stars personalities such as Julianne Hough, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Jenna Johnson left heartfelt comments under Derek’s post, expressing solidarity and sending prayers to the couple.

“Love you both so much,” Julianne Hough wrote. “Your strength and vulnerability are inspiring. We’re with you always.”

Fans echoed those sentiments across platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where thousands of messages poured in. Many shared their own stories of loss, thanking Derek and Hayley for breaking the silence around miscarriage and pregnancy loss — a subject that remains deeply emotional but too rarely discussed openly.

“Thank you for your courage,” one fan wrote. “Your words remind us that grief doesn’t mean weakness — it’s proof of how deeply we’ve loved.”

Healing in the Spotlight

For Derek and Hayley, healing will take time. In recent years, the couple has already faced enormous challenges, including Hayley’s emergency brain surgery in late 2023, when she suffered a cranial hematoma while on tour. Derek stayed by her side through every moment of recovery, and the two emerged from that experience stronger and more united than ever.

This new tragedy, while unimaginably painful, seems to have deepened that bond even further. Insiders close to the couple say that Derek and Hayley have been spending quiet time at home, focusing on each other, their family, and finding peace through movement and creativity — the same art form that brought them together.

“They’ve always found healing in dance,” a friend shared. “It’s how they express everything — joy, pain, hope. That hasn’t changed.”

A Message of Hope

Though grief now fills their days, Derek and Hayley’s message remains one of love and hope. Their courage to share their story reminds others that even in the face of profound loss, it’s possible to find light, connection, and meaning.

As Derek wrote in his closing words:

“This chapter may be one of heartbreak, but it’s also one of love — the kind that never fades.”

In a world where fame often hides pain behind polished perfection, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert have shown the beauty of raw humanity. Their willingness to open their hearts not only honors the memory of the child they lost but also offers comfort to countless others walking the same difficult path.

Their story is a reminder that love — even when paired with loss — can change us forever.