“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.
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.
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.
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.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.