At a Glance
- Derek and Hayley Hough welcomed daughter Everley Capri on Dec. 29 after three years of trauma
- The couple endured a 2022 car crash, Hayley’s 2023 brain surgery and 2024 miscarriage
- Everley arrived in a candle-lit home birth the parents call their “rainbow after the storm”
- Why it matters: Their story spotlights resilience and hope after medical crisis and loss
Derek and Hayley Hough are savoring newborn bliss two weeks after daughter Everley Capri arrived, calling the infant their “rainbow after the storm” following a string of life-threatening setbacks.
The professional dancers, who wed in 2023, told News Of Los Angeles in a Jan. 13 at-home photo shoot that tears flow daily as they adjust to parenthood. “Literally every time I see Derek and Everley together, I just start crying,” Hayley, 31, said.
Derek, 40, recalled skipping Golden Globes after-parties because “I’m going straight home to my daughter…and now I got to go because I’m about to cry.”
Three Winters of Trauma
The couple’s joy follows what Derek labels “traumatizing” holiday seasons:
- December 2022: Car crash left Hayley needing four forehead stitches
- December 2023: Mid-performance brain bleed required emergency craniectomy; 40 percent of her skull was removed and later replaced with an implant
- December 2024: Miscarriage
“She’s been through so much,” Derek said, voice cracking. “To see her go from where she was to now, giving birth, is amazing.”
Hayley echoed the sentiment: “We’ve had so many moments in life that are not as great…So she’s our rainbow after the storm.”
Quiet Home Birth
Everley arrived at their Los Angeles residence after a candle-lit, music-filled labor Derek calls “so special.” He described Hayley as “power” during delivery and added, “Y’all women are badasses.”
Hayley said the pregnancy was “decently easy,” with no morning sickness and only food aversions. The couple kept the news private until week 20, still haunted by their earlier loss. “We tried to live life to the fullest because we knew it’d be the last year of just the two of us,” Hayley explained, noting they scheduled extra ultrasounds for reassurance.
New-Parent Reality
The first-time parents admit Everley is a strong sleeper-already logging five-and-a-half-hour stretches-but emotions run high.
Derek confessed early nerves: “I was honestly afraid to hold Everley…I don’t know what I’m doing.” Hayley reassured him they’re “all figuring out this new life.”
Both say the newborn resembles Derek. “When Everley came out, eyes wide open, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s definitely me,’ ” he laughed.
Health Outlook
Post-craniectomy, Hayley reports no ongoing medical restrictions, though headaches trigger “PTSD.” She recalled first asking doctors after brain surgery, “Am I able to have children in the future?” The answer-yes-proved prophetic.
Work-Life Juggle
Derek returns soon to host Extra, calling it his “dad job,” while planning a June encore dance tour. Hayley hopes to join performances, even if only in select numbers, with Everley in tow.
On returning to Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member, Hayley said, “Never say never,” but noted potential conflict of interest with Derek now a judge.
Looking Ahead
The couple plan dance classes for Everley, citing coordination and confidence benefits, yet insist they’ll support whatever path she chooses. More children remain possible, though Hayley jokes, “Your first one makes you want a million children, and your second makes you feel like you have a million.”
For now, they relish small moments. “I already find myself grieving this current stage,” Hayley said. Derek added, “I can’t wait for her personality to come through.”
Key Takeaways
- Everley’s birth transforms a historically painful season into one of gratitude
- Hayley’s recovery from brain surgery to motherhood underscores her resilience
- The Houghs balance touring careers with hands-on parenting, keeping Everley close
- Their experience offers hope to couples navigating loss and medical crises
