Updated: November 26, 2025
Val From Dancing With The Stars Wife: Hey there, dance fans! If you’ve ever caught an episode of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), you’ve probably swooned over the electric chemistry between pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and his partners. But off the ballroom floor, his real-life leading lady steals the show: Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy. As Val’s wife of over six years, Jenna isn’t just his rock—she’s a fierce competitor, a loving mom, and a total inspiration. In this post, we’re diving into Jenna’s incredible story, from her early days on the show to their blended family life. Whether you’re a longtime DWTS devotee or just curious about celebrity couples who make it work, stick around. Let’s twirl through their love story!
Table of Contents
Meeting on the Dance Floor: Sparks Fly in Season 18
Picture this: It’s 2014, and Jenna Johnson steps onto the Dancing with the Stars set as a fresh-faced troupe member in Season 18. At just 20 years old, she was already a pro-level talent, having placed as third runner-up on So You Think You Can Dance Season 10 the year before. Val Chmerkovskiy, the brooding Ukrainian heartthrob who’d been lighting up the show since Season 13, couldn’t help but notice her.
Their connection wasn’t instant fireworks—it was more like a slow, sultry samba build-up. Val was dating someone else at the time, and Jenna was focused on her career. But rehearsals brought them close. “I was the only new person that season,” Jenna later shared on a podcast, recalling her nerves walking into that first practice. Val, ever the charmer, made her feel at home. By 2015, they were officially dating, turning heads with their undeniable vibe.
What makes their origin story so relatable? It’s proof that sometimes, the best partnerships form in the unlikeliest spots—like a sweaty studio filled with sequins and spotlights. Today, as both compete in Season 34 (Jenna with her celeb partner, Val with influencer Alix Earle), fans love seeing them cheer each other on. Just last week, after Val punched his ticket to the finale, he posted a sweet shoutout on Instagram: “@jennajohnson lucky to have you in my corner, my beautiful love.” Cue the awws!
From “I Do” to Baby Joy: Building Their Forever Family
Fast-forward to 2018: Val drops to one knee in a Venetian square during a romantic trip to Italy, slipping a stunning rose gold ring on Jenna’s finger. The proposal was straight out of a rom-com—complete with gondolas and gasps from passersby. They tied the knot on April 13, 2019, at the breathtaking Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Overlooking the ocean, with DWTS alums like Witney Carson and Sasha Farber in attendance, it was a dancer’s dream wedding. Val gushed to People magazine, “My life has changed because of her. I find myself to be the best version of myself.”
But their story gets even sweeter. In January 2023, they welcomed son Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy into the world—a tiny bundle who quickly became the center of their universe. “Life is awesome,” Val told E! News that year, admitting fatherhood “elevated my joy for life.” Jenna, balancing pro duties and diaper changes, has been open about the chaos and charm of new parenthood. Their dog Ziggy rounds out the LA-based crew, making family hikes and cuddle sessions a daily highlight.
To give you a quick snapshot of their key milestones, here’s a handy table:
| Milestone | Date | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| First Met on DWTS | 2014 (Season 18) | Jenna started as troupe; Val was already a pro sensation. |
| Started Dating | 2015 | Chemistry exploded during off-season rehearsals. |
| Engagement | June 2018 | Romantic Venice proposal with a custom Jacob & Co. ring. |
| Wedding | April 13, 2019 | Oceanfront vows blending Ukrainian and American traditions. |
| Son Rome Born | January 10, 2023 | Named after Rome, Italy—nod to their engagement spot. |
| Jenna’s DWTS Win | Season 33 (2024) | Triumphed with The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei. |
| Val’s Latest Finale | Season 34 (2025) | Teaming with Alix Earle; eyeing that fourth Mirrorball. |
This timeline shows how they’ve synced their steps through it all—talk about partnership goals!
Balancing the Ballroom and Baby Bottles: Real Talk on Family Life
Let’s be real: Being married to another DWTS pro isn’t all glamorous lifts and standing ovations. Val and Jenna juggle grueling 12-hour rehearsals, travel, and now, toddler tantrums. In a candid April 2025 People interview, Val admitted intimacy can be “hit or miss” amid the madness. “Parenting is our common ground,” he said, emphasizing how they prioritize unplugging at home. Jenna echoes this, telling Life & Style last year that “communication” is their secret sauce. “It’s not often you find spouses who work together like we do,” she noted.
Family extends beyond their nuclear unit, too. Val’s older brother, Maks Chmerkovskiy (another DWTS legend), and his wife Peta Murgatroyd live nearby with sons Shai (now 8) and Rio (2). Rome’s bond with his cousins is pure magic—Jenna shared in 2024 how her little guy is “obsessed with babies,” gripping Rio a bit too enthusiastically during playdates. Holidays? Think epic Chmerkovskiy gatherings with parents Aleksandr and Larisa, blending Jewish and Christian traditions for a warm, multicultural vibe.
Here are a few heartwarming ways they keep family first amid the spotlight:
- Date Nights with a Twist: Quick coffee runs or sunset walks—nothing fancy, but always with hand-holding.
- Cousin Chaos: Weekly playdates where Rome “dances” (read: toddles) with Shai and Rio to kid-friendly tunes.
- Support Squad Goals: Jenna cheers Val’s routines from the wings; he FaceTimes Rome during tour stops.
- Self-Care Rituals: Yoga sessions together to unwind—because even pros need to stretch beyond the studio.
Their Ukrainian roots shine through, too—Val often shares stories of immigrating in 1994, crediting dance for his American dream. It’s this grounded approach that makes their family life so enviable.
The DWTS Dynamic Duo: Wins, Rivalries, and Real Love
No chat about Jenna would be complete without her DWTS dazzle. From troupe to pro in Season 23 (2016), she’s racked up finals appearances and that shiny Season 33 win with Joey Graziadei in 2024. Val, with three Mirrorballs (Seasons 20, 23, and 32), calls her his “huge asset to the show.” This season, their friendly rivalry adds spice—Jenna’s pushing for back-to-back wins, while Val eyes number four.
Off-camera, they mentor newbies and advocate for dance education. Val’s memoir, I’ll Never Change My Name (2018), nods to Jenna’s influence, and together they support charities like St. Jude’s. It’s this blend of passion and purpose that keeps fans hooked.
Conclusion: Why Val and Jenna Are the Ultimate Dance Couple
Val Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Jenna Johnson, isn’t just a partner—she’s his muse, co-parent, and cheerleader in a whirlwind world. From their serendipitous Season 18 meet-cute to cheering Rome’s first steps, their story reminds us that true rhythm comes from love, laughter, and a little grit. As Season 34 hurtles toward its finale, one thing’s clear: whether lifting celebs or each other, Val and Jenna move through life in perfect harmony.
What’s your favorite Val-Jenna moment? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear! And if you’re craving more DWTS drama, subscribe for updates. Until next time, keep dancing.