Jenna Johnson’s husband is Valentin “Val” Chmerkovskiy, a professional ballroom dancer and three-time Dancing With the Stars champion. The couple’s relationship began behind the scenes of the popular ABC dance competition and eventually developed into one of the show’s best-known marriages.
From their romantic engagement in Italy to their California wedding and the birth of their son, Jenna and Val have shared several major milestones since meeting in 2014.
As of October 2026, the couple has been married for more than seven years. Both have built successful careers in competitive ballroom dancing while balancing their professional commitments with family life.
Who Is Her Husband?
Valentin Chmerkovskiy, commonly known as Val, is a Ukrainian-American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality.
He was born on March 24, 1986, in Odesa, Ukraine, and moved to the United States with his family during childhood.
Before becoming a television star, Val established himself in competitive ballroom dancing. He earned recognition as a two-time World Latin Dance Champion, developing the technical skills that later helped him become a leading professional on Dancing With the Stars.
His television career introduced him to millions of viewers, but it also brought him together with his future wife, Jenna Johnson.
How They Met
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy first met in 2014 on the set of Dancing With the Stars.
At the time, Jenna was working as a troupe dancer, while Val had already established himself as one of the show’s professional competitors.
Their shared passion for dancing created a natural connection, although their relationship did not immediately become romantic.
The pair reportedly began dating around 2015, but their early relationship included periods of separation.
They eventually reconciled and became more open about their romance in 2017, when fans began seeing them together more frequently outside the ballroom.
Romantic Engagement
After several years of knowing each other, Val decided to propose during a trip to Italy.
The couple became engaged in June 2018 in Venice, one of the world’s most recognizable romantic destinations.
Val proposed during their European getaway, and the couple shared their excitement with followers through social media.
The engagement attracted considerable attention among Dancing With the Stars viewers who had followed their relationship from its early stages.
For Jenna, the proposal marked the beginning of a new chapter with someone who understood the demands of her dancing career.
California Wedding
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy married on April 13, 2019, during a ceremony at the luxurious Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
The coastal location provided an oceanfront setting for their wedding, attended by relatives, close friends, and familiar faces from the ballroom dancing community.
Jenna wore a wedding gown by Vera Wang, while Val chose a formal black tuxedo.
The celebration brought together two families with strong connections to dance and entertainment.
About a month later, the newlyweds held a second, smaller wedding celebration in Provo, Utah, Jenna’s hometown.
This additional gathering allowed them to celebrate with loved ones in a more personal setting.
Their Son Rome
The couple reached another major milestone when they welcomed their first child.
Jenna gave birth to their son, Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy, on January 10, 2023.
The arrival of Rome came after Jenna had publicly discussed her fertility struggles, making the birth especially meaningful for the family.
Both parents shared their happiness about welcoming their baby boy, offering followers occasional glimpses of their experiences as new parents.
Rome’s birth also introduced a different rhythm to their lives as they began balancing rehearsals, television commitments, and parenting responsibilities.
As of October 2026, Rome is three years old.
Val’s DWTS Wins
Val Chmerkovskiy has enjoyed a highly successful career on Dancing With the Stars, earning three Mirrorball Trophies across different seasons.
His championship victories include:
- Season 20 (2015): Won with actress Rumer Willis.
- Season 23 (2016): Won with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez.
- Season 32 (2023): Won with actress Xochitl Gomez.
These victories established Val as one of the show’s most accomplished professional dancers.
His ability to work with celebrity partners from different backgrounds has been an important part of his television success.
Beyond winning championships, Val has contributed to numerous memorable performances through his choreography, technique, and experience in Latin ballroom dancing.
Jenna’s Dance Career
Although Val has earned several championships, Jenna Johnson is also a successful Dancing With the Stars professional with an impressive competitive record.
She first appeared on the program as a troupe member before becoming a professional partner.
Jenna won her first Mirrorball Trophy in Season 26 in 2018, competing alongside Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon.
She later secured another championship during Season 33 in 2024 with The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei.
Her success has helped establish the couple as two accomplished performers who have each won the competition independently.
Their shared professional background also means both understand the demanding rehearsal schedules and physical preparation required for the show.
Famous Dance Family
Jenna’s marriage to Val connects her to another prominent family within the ballroom dancing world.
Val’s older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, is a longtime professional dancer who also became famous through Dancing With the Stars.
Maksim is married to Peta Murgatroyd, another professional dancer associated with the television competition.
This makes Maksim Jenna’s brother-in-law and Peta her sister-in-law.
With multiple professional dancers in the extended family, ballroom dancing remains an important part of their shared personal and professional lives.
Marriage in 2026
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy have built a relationship that extends well beyond their television careers.
Their journey includes meeting in 2014, dating through several changes, becoming engaged in Venice, marrying in California, and welcoming their son Rome.
Although they continue to maintain individual professional identities, their shared experiences on Dancing With the Stars remain central to their story.
Val Chmerkovskiy is Jenna Johnson’s husband, and the couple’s marriage began on April 13, 2019. With their son Rome and their established dancing careers, they remain one of the most recognizable families associated with the ABC competition.
