Julianne Hough Responds to Ex Brooks Laich’s Baby News with Fiancée Katrín Tanja Davíðsdóttir
Julianne Hough has publicly congratulated her ex-husband, Brooks Laich, after he announced his engagement and impending fatherhood with fiancée Katrín Tanja Davíðsdóttir. The former couple, who divorced in 2020 after three years of marriage, have remained amicable, with Hough expressing genuine happiness for Laich’s new chapter. The news has reignited interest in their past relationship and their divergent paths since the split.
A Heartfelt Public Response
Hough, 35, took to social media to share her support after Laich, 40, revealed Davíðsdóttir’s pregnancy in an emotional Instagram post. “So happy for you both! Wishing you all the love and joy on this beautiful journey,” Hough commented, accompanied by a heart emoji. The brief but warm message reflects the couple’s commitment to maintaining respect post-divorce—a rarity in Hollywood splits.
Relationship expert Dr. Marisa Cohen notes: “Public displays of support between ex-partners, especially during major life events, suggest a healthy emotional resolution. It demonstrates maturity and genuine care beyond the romantic relationship.” Research from the Journal of Divorce & Remarriage supports this, showing that 68% of amicable ex-couples report higher life satisfaction when they foster mutual respect.
Brooks Laich and Katrín Davíðsdóttir’s Blossoming Relationship
Laich, a former NHL player, and Davíðsdóttir, a two-time CrossFit Games champion, confirmed their relationship in 2022 after bonding over shared fitness passions. Their engagement, announced in March 2024, came as a surprise to fans, followed quickly by the pregnancy revelation. The Icelandic athlete, 30, shared ultrasound images alongside Laich, captioning the post, “Our greatest adventure begins.”
The couple’s timeline contrasts with Laich and Hough’s relationship trajectory. Married in 2017 after six years of dating, they faced public scrutiny over differing priorities, including:
- Conflicting career demands (Hough’s dance tours vs. Laich’s hockey schedule)
- Divergent views on starting a family
- Geographical challenges during Hough’s Broadway commitments
Julianne Hough’s Post-Divorce Evolution
Since the divorce, Hough has focused on her multifaceted career as a dancer, actress, and wellness entrepreneur. She launched Kinrgy, a movement therapy platform, in 2020 and has been vocal about her personal growth journey. “I’ve learned that fulfillment comes from within, not from any relationship status,” she told People in 2023.
Meanwhile, Laich has shifted toward podcasting and outdoor lifestyle content, often featuring Davíðsdóttir. Their shared emphasis on fitness and adventure appears to align closely—a factor psychologists say strengthens relationship foundations. A 2023 Couples Compatibility Study found partners with overlapping hobbies report 42% higher relationship satisfaction.
Public Reactions and Media Scrutiny
Fans have flooded social media with support for both parties, though some express surprise at the speed of Laich’s new milestones. “It’s bittersweet seeing Brooks start a family so soon after Julianne, but they both seem happier now,” one Twitter user commented. Media outlets have drawn comparisons between Hough’s current single status and Laich’s rapid re-engagement.
Celebrity publicist Ryan McCormick weighs in: “The public often projects narratives onto celebrity exes, but these situations are rarely black-and-white. Both individuals appear to have grown in directions that suit their authentic selves.” Indeed, Hough recently described her single life as “liberating” during a Today Show appearance, emphasizing her focus on creative projects.
What This Means for Co-Parenting Dynamics
While Hough and Laich have no children together, experts suggest her supportive response bodes well for potential blended family interactions. “When ex-spouses embrace each other’s new partners and children, it creates healthier extended family ecosystems,” says family therapist Dr. Lisa Bahar. This becomes particularly relevant if Hough and Laich collaborate professionally in the future—they previously co-hosted the Brooks & Julianne Podcast in 2019.
Looking ahead, sources indicate Hough may soon announce a new television project, while Laich and Davíðsdóttir prepare for parenthood in their Idaho home. Their parallel yet distinct paths offer a case study in graceful post-divorce evolution—one that challenges Hollywood’s contentious breakup stereotypes.
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