A Guide to the Hough Family: Derek Hough and Julianne Hough

Derek and Julianne Hough recently shared a heartwarming moment on Dancing With the Stars, capturing a selfie with their mother, Mariann Hough, who attended the Nov. 25 season finale. The finale concluded with Robert Irwin, a longtime family friend, winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy alongside partner Witney Carson.

Though multi-generational appearances on DWTS are familiarlike Mark Ballas competing against his father Corky in 2008 and 2010Marianns presence was special. Living in Tennessee and rarely visiting the ballroom, she was celebrated for attending the show. Mariann, mother of five with ex-husband Bruce Hough, maintains a close bond with her children, who have all inherited musical and artistic talents.

Derek highlighted family pride in 2023, sharing a photo of his father, Bruce, breakdancing at his wedding to Hayley Erbert. Derek wrote about his fathers unwavering support and integrity. Both Derek and Julianne left Utah at young ages10 and 13 respectivelyto live with the Ballas family in London and attend a performing arts academy, a decision that, despite being challenging, strengthened the family bond.

Derek has described their family relationship as strong, emphasizing love, support, and teamwork, while Mariann and Bruce have guided their children with encouragement and grounding values. With Derek and Hayley expecting their first child, the Hough family continues to expand.

Bruce Hough

The family patriarch, originally from Coeur dAlene, Idaho, met Mariann Heaton on a ballroom team at Ricks College. Bruce worked as a communications executive and co-founded Nutraceutical Corporation, achieving a $300 million valuation before its 2017 sale. He also engaged in politics, serving as state Republican Party chair and running for Congress in 2023. Bruce shares children Derek, Julianne, Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine with Mariann, and later married Debra Francom Hough, who also has five children.

Mariann Hough

Mariann grew up in Idaho Falls and faced the emotional challenge of sending Derek and Julianne to London for dance training. She values independence and encouraged her children to pursue their passions freely. Now living in Franklin, Tennessee, Mariann is a painter supported by her husband Aaron Nelson.

Sharee Hough Selman

Sharee married young and has six children. A former Ballet West dancer, she now runs Hough Werks, teaching yoga and dance. Mariann describes her as highly creative and energetic, noting the close connection with Julianne despite their age difference.

Marabeth Poole

Marabeth moved to Nashville to pursue a music career and now works as a realtor, health coach, and singer-songwriter. She married Michael Poole in 2002 and has a son, Aidan.

Katherine Hough

Katherine, mother of three, is admired for her resilience and dedication. After losing her partner Tony Schnur to brain cancer in 2023, she found love again in 2025. Katherine balances motherhood with personal pursuits and is praised by Julianne for her strength and organization.

Derek Hough

Born May 17, 1985, Derek joined DWTS in 2007, winning six Mirrorball Trophies and four Emmys. He returned as a full-time judge in 2020. Derek married Hayley Erbert in 2023, overcoming her severe health scare, and the couple announced their first child in 2025.

Julianne Hough

Born July 20, 1988, Julianne also joined DWTS in 2007, winning her first two seasons. She left to pursue acting, starring in films like Burlesque and Footloose. Returning as a judge and cohost, Julianne married Brooks Laich in 2017, divorcing in 2022. She credits her parents for support during personal challenges and reflects on the unique opportunities she and Derek had in their careers compared to their siblings.

Despite physical distance, Mariann emphasizes the siblings strong relationships and synergy when together, highlighting the enduring closeness of the Hough family.

Author: Logan Reeves