DWTS' Jenna Johnson's Surprising Reaction to Son Rome Dancing - Val Chmerkovskiy Holds a Different View

Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy. Getty Images (2)

Dancing With the Stars professionals Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy have a difference of opinion when it comes to their son, Rome. While Val believes that their son should be enrolled in dance classes, Jenna remains undecided.

Johnson revealed that she began her journey in dance at the tender age of 3. However, she harbors a desire for her son to pursue his own passions without any external influence.

"I'll wholeheartedly back him if he develops a love for dance," she expressed. "Nevertheless, it is vital to me that he never feels obligated to follow in our footsteps simply due to his parents' involvement."

Johnson's partner, Tyson Beckford, also shared his belief that Rome will excel in dancing due to his exceptional lineage.

In his conversation with Us, Chmerkovskiy, 37, expressed how fatherhood has significantly enriched every aspect of his life.

Adding fatherhood to his life has given him a sense of purpose, he explained. He expressed his happiness in being able to share the process with his child. Despite the fact that his son may not remember the experience, the opportunity to have him on set, witnessing his father's hard work, determination, and impressive skills, inspires him to work harder. Johnson and Chmerkovskiy, married in 2019, happily welcomed their son, Rome, in January.

Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy with their son Rome. Courtesy of Jenna Johnson/Instagram

Johnson and Chmerkovskiy's birth announcement showcases a photo of the new parents tenderly holding their newborn's tiny hand, with Johnson stating, "Our world has been irrevocably transformed." Unfortunately, Johnson had to sit out DWTS season 31 in 2022 due to her pregnancy. However, she has made her triumphant return now, and Chmerkovskiy playfully hinted that she poses a formidable challenge as his greatest competitor.

"Jen, you know, I jokingly eliminated my toughest competitor by getting her pregnant," Chmerkovskiy shared with Us during a separate interview in May. "I'm not sure if I could pull it off two seasons in a row, but she is incredibly motivated and eager to return to Dancing With the Stars, so I'm eagerly anticipating what she brings to the next season."

Prior to the premiere of DWTS season 32 last month, Chmerkovskiy also admitted to Us that working alongside his partner in life can be "challenging" at times.

"We provide mutual support, but we also find solace in venting to each other," he clarified. "It's as if we experience the stress of two couples, because even if we have an amazing evening and I'm feeling extremely happy, it becomes challenging to fully celebrate if she and [Tyson] had a difficult night."

Reported by Hannah Kahn.

In this article

Jenna Johnson

Val Chmerkovskiy

Dancing With The Stars