Dancing with the Stars’ Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd welcome their second son
Maks Chmerkovskiy announced a joyous arrival on social media this past Sunday, revealing that he and his wife, Dancing with the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd, have welcomed their second son. Sharing a tender photo of himself cradling the newborn, Maks celebrated the moment as the best Father’s Day gift he could imagine.
In his post the former DWTS professional wrote, “Happy Father’s Day to me,” and added the playful tag #MadeinPeta. Fans and friends responded quickly with warm congratulations and heartfelt messages as the couple celebrated growing their family.
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Several members of the extended DWTS family chimed in to share their excitement. Maks’ sister-in-law, professional dancer Jenna Johnson, commented, “We love him so much.” Maks’ brother, fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy, and Val’s wife Jenna — who welcomed their first child, a son, in January — also sent congratulations as the two families celebrated new parenthood in the same year.
Earlier in the day, Maks shared another snapshot taken at the hospital showing Peta and himself preparing for the birth. “It’s go time!” he wrote, explaining how they rushed back to Los Angeles from Napa in record time so Peta could deliver. Maks playfully credited “(about to be thrice) grandpa Sasha” for helping them make the trip, and praised Peta as “the fantastic unicorn that she is,” expressing his admiration for her strength and parenting. He added that he couldn’t wait to welcome “another one of her best creations” and called Peta “an absolutely amazing boy mom.”
Peta shared her fertility struggles
The couple’s second son arrived five years after the birth of their first child, Shai. Peta had been open about the difficult road leading to this pregnancy. In recent interviews and posts she shared that she endured multiple miscarriages while trying to expand their family, an emotional struggle that weighed heavily on both parents.
After those losses, Peta and Maks sought care from a team of fertility specialists and pursued in vitro fertilization (IVF). The couple disclosed that doctors suspected Peta had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that can interfere with regular ovulation and make conception more challenging. Receiving answers from medical professionals brought the family a renewed sense of hope and clarity.
Peta described the emotional shift she experienced during the fertility journey, saying that for the first time in nearly two years she felt genuinely excited and optimistic. She expressed how receiving a diagnosis and a treatment plan helped restore a sense of control and positivity after so much uncertainty. “I don’t have any other words but hope and positivity,” she said, explaining how much the support and medical guidance meant to her and her husband.
Maks, who has been balancing work and family life, traveled from Napa to Los Angeles as Peta prepared to deliver. He and his brother Val have been involved in a Savor Wine Tasting Residency through September, an ongoing project they’ve discussed publicly while continuing to prioritize family commitments. Maks’ quick trip back to LA underscored how important it was for both parents to be present for the arrival of their newest son.
As the Chmerkovskiy–Murgatroyd household adjusts to life with a newborn again, friends, family and fans continue to celebrate the news. The couple’s openness about fertility, loss and the steps they took toward IVF has resonated with many who have faced similar struggles, and their joy at finally welcoming a second child offers encouragement to others navigating a difficult path to parenthood.