Hough Sisters' Divergent Paths: Julianne Reflects on Entertainment Dreams and Family Bonds
Julianne Hough is sharing insights into how her three elder sisters forged distinct life journeys compared to her and sibling Derek Hough.
Julianne, aged 37, and Derek, 40, are part of a family with three older siblings — Sharee, 48, Marabeth, 44, and Katherine, 43 — all of whom initially pursued entertainment, yet their lives diverged onto “varied courses,” as stated by the Dancing With the Stars co-host.
"My three elder sisters, they were all involved in dance, singing, and acting. We even had a band of sorts. It was just always our world," Julianne shared during the September 9 Tuesday episode of the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast. "My grandparents found each other through dancing, and my parents did too. It runs in our family."
Although Julianne and Derek achieved recognition through Dancing With the Stars and various other ventures, their sisters discovered alternative vocations. (Both Julianne and Derek initially appeared as professional dancers on the program, with Julianne later becoming a co-host and Derek taking on a judging role.)
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"My eldest sister embraced the Mormon tradition early on, marrying at 19 and raising six children," Julianne recounted. "My second sister relocated to Nashville with aspirations of becoming a country music artist. My third sister harbored ambitions of an acting career."
When questioned about potential envy regarding her and Derek’s achievements in Hollywood, Julianne conceded, "We've discussed this topic on numerous occasions. It's not jealousy, but rather a sense of wistfulness that perhaps they didn't get the chance to experience it themselves."
"They are incredibly content. Truly, truly happy. And honestly, they lead wonderful lives and cherish them deeply. … We were afforded an opportunity that eluded them, and that's difficult," she elaborated.
Julianne revealed that she and Derek hadn't always been transparent with their siblings about their career milestones, leading to them drifting "increasingly distant."
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"Derek and I maintained a strong bond due to our common experiences. Conversely, [with our sisters], we often hesitated to share openly, fearing we might upset someone," she elucidated.
This resulted in the elder Hough siblings feeling "left out," Julianne commented, further stating, "Therefore, in recent years, our approach has become more like, okay, if it causes pain, then it causes pain, but at least we're connected and confronting it rather than evading it."
Julianne mentioned that her older sisters are established with their own families and children, a life stage she confesses she desires for herself. (Julianne completed her divorce from ex-hockey player Brooks Laich in 2022. They had separated in 2020 after three years of marriage.)
"Everything is a matter of perspective," she remarked. "They have spouses and offspring. I observe my third sister, for example, with her three wonderful daughters, meticulously organizing various activities. I am utterly impressed by her. I think, 'You are such a fantastic, engaged mother.' I hold that in such high regard. I articulate, 'I wish for that,' and she responds, 'I wish for that.' It's not about one path being superior to another, but rather that we each possess distinct aspirations."
