“Dancing with the Stars” icon Val Chmerkovskiy has found a true partner both on and off the dance floor. Through career highs and personal heartache, his wife has been his steadfast support. After a devastating loss, the couple celebrated the joy of welcoming their first child together.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s rise on “Dancing with the Stars” brought him fame and led him to a partner who became his biggest supporter. Recently, he lit up the dance floor for Disney Night, delivering a memorable performance inspired by “The Lion King.” His wife was there, not just to compete but to also offer him her support.
Alongside his dance partner, Phaedra Parks, Chmerkovskiy gave it his all but was sadly eliminated that night. Throughout their relationship, Chmerkovskiy has leaned on his wife’s strength during tough times. Their journey hasn’t been easy, but despite early setbacks, they are continuously growing together.
Phaedra Parks was Val Chmerkovskiy’s dance partner on the “Disney Night” episode of “DWTS” on October 22, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Alongside his dance partner, Phaedra Parks, Val Chmerkovskiy was eliminated after his “Disney Night” performance on October 22, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
A Love Rekindled and a Promise for the Future
Chmerkovskiy and his future wife first crossed paths on the set of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2015, where their connection blossomed on and off the dance floor. Their chemistry quickly turned into a relationship, but the path to lasting commitment wasn’t immediate.
After a year of dating, the couple parted ways briefly in 2016, during which Chmerkovskiy was linked to model Amber Rose. Though separated, the two never lost their bond entirely. In 2017, they hinted at a reunion during a special trip together.
Sharing photos from the same destination, they subtly revealed to fans that their romance had reignited. By the summer of 2018, Chmerkovskiy was ready to make their relationship official. On a romantic trip to Venice, Italy, he proposed.
Reflecting on their milestones, Chmerkovskiy shared, “My life has changed because of [her]. And I find myself to be the best version of myself that I’ve ever been. She’s awesome.”
Their wedding, held in April 2019, was a true fairytale event. The couple tied the knot at the scenic Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with the Pacific Ocean as a breathtaking backdrop. Jenna Johnson, now his bride, wore a timeless long-sleeved Vera Wang gown.
During their brief breakup, Chmerkovskiy was linked to model Amber Rose. | Source: Getty Images
After a brief separation, Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson rekindled their relationship with renewed commitment. | Source: Getty Images
By the summer of 2018, Chmerkovskiy was ready to make their relationship official. | Source: Getty Images
Chmerkovskiy credited Johnson with making him the best version of himself. | Source: Getty Images
Johnson has been Chmerkovskiy’s biggest supporter during tough times. | Source: Getty Images
Chmerkovskiy, on the other hand, donned a custom-made black velvet tuxedo by Brooks Brothers. Surrounded by 200 of their closest friends and family, they exchanged vows beneath a chuppah draped with white and ivory flowers, including peonies, garden roses, and lisianthus.
Balancing Love and Career in the Spotlight
Before they even walked down the aisle, Chmerkovskiy and Johnson navigated the challenges of balancing their relationship with their high-profile dance careers. As fellow professionals on “Dancing with the Stars,” they were often paired with different partners, which sometimes tested their bond.
In a 2018 interview, Chmerkovskiy admitted that watching Johnson perform with others occasionally stirred feelings of jealousy. “It’s hard,” he confessed, acknowledging that building a healthy relationship required trust and a willingness to support each other’s artistry.
Since their marriage in 2019, the couple’s commitment to supporting each other has only strengthened. They are known for their unwavering encouragement of each other’s careers, even while performing with separate partners each DWTS season.
Most recently, in the October 22, 2024 “Disney Night” episode, Chmerkovskiy and Johnson found themselves on opposing teams. The remaining eight couples performed routines inspired by Disney classics before splitting into teams to compete for extra points.
Since their marriage, the couple’s commitment to supporting each other has only strengthened. | Source: Getty Images
According to Chmerkovskiy, building a healthy relationship required trust and a willingness to support each other’s artistry. | Source: Getty Images
Chmerkovskiy admitted that watching Johnson perform with other partners occasionally stirred feelings of jealousy. | Source: Getty Images
Chmerkovskiy joined Team Roar with Phaedra Parks, dancing alongside teammates Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, earning a score of 24/30.
Meanwhile, Johnson, performing with Joey Graziadei, was part of Team Goofs, which included Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, and Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber. Their performance scored 27/30, securing the team win and adding points to each couple’s individual scores.
Through every milestone and challenge, Chmerkovskiy and Johnson have remained committed to each other, supporting their partnership in all aspects.
Heartbreak and Hope on Their Path to Parenthood
While the couple found ways to balance their careers and support each other, starting a family was a deeply personal dream they shared. In 2021, they learned they were expecting a baby and were very excited. However, during a work trip in Dallas, they experienced a devastating loss.
The couple was excited to learn that they were expecting their first child. | Source: Getty Images
During a rehearsal, Johnson suddenly sensed something was wrong. She recalled, “I just turned to him and I’m like, ‘I think I’m bleeding.’ I sprinted to our hotel room, and I lost the baby. In our hotel room.” The loss was a painful setback for the couple, but they remained hopeful about expanding their family.
In August 2022, Johnson shared the joyful news that they were expecting again. The actress and dancer announced her pregnancy on social media and revealed they were halfway through their journey, expecting a boy.
Johnson described how Chmerkovskiy’s support helped her feel beautiful and confident throughout her pregnancy, even as she grappled with body changes. “He loves every phase throughout my pregnancy so far,” she shared, adding that he continually reminded her of the strength and beauty he saw in her.
Welcoming Their Son and Chmerkovskiy’s Heartfelt Tribute
In January 2023, Chmerkovskiy and Johnson welcomed their first child, a son named Rome. Announcing his birth on social media, Johnson shared her joy, “Our world is forever changed.”
As Chmerkovskiy returned to the “Dancing with the Stars” stage later that year, his appreciation for Johnson only grew. In December 2023, he and his partner, Xochitl Gomez, took home the season’s Mirrorball trophy, and Chmerkovskiy dedicated his win to Johnson.
“This one’s going on my wife’s cabinet,” he said. He lovingly acknowledged that he couldn’t have achieved this without her. Chmerkovskiy shared how Johnson had “held it down” at home with their newborn while also lending her creative support throughout the season.
Xochitl echoed Chmerkovskiy’s sentiments, revealing that Johnson’s encouragement had been a source of strength for her as well. “She was so supportive of me,” Xochitl shared, adding that Johnson’s warmth made her feel like part of their family.
Chmerkovskiy’s tribute to Johnson underscored the role she plays both as a supportive wife and a nurturing friend, showing that their partnership goes far beyond the dance floor.
A Look at Jenna Johnson
Johnson’s beauty is as captivating as her dance moves, with her bright blue eyes and graceful presence adding to her charm. Here are some photos capturing her elegance, from dazzling moments on the “Dancing with the Stars” stage to her life as a devoted wife and mother.
Chmerkovskiy and Johnson’s journey together has been one of love and unwavering support. From navigating the demands of their careers to facing personal heartbreak, they have built a life grounded in trust and shared dreams. The couple proves that true partnership can weather life’s toughest storms.