In a devastating moment that has left fans and the entire Dancing With The Stars family in floods of tears, beloved judge Derek Hough dropped everything to be by his mother’s side in her final hours – cradling Marriann Hough as she took her last breath in his arms.

The 40-year-old dance icon, who only days ago was celebrating the arrival of his miracle baby daughter Everley Capri with wife Hayley Erbert, received the heartbreaking call that his mum was fading fast.

Without hesitation, Derek cancelled all commitments – including upcoming DWTS rehearsals and promotional appearances – to fly to her bedside, determined to hold her hand one last time.

“She passed away peacefully in her son’s arms during what he called her ‘final sunset’,” a close family friend told Daily Mail exclusively. “It was exactly how Marriann wanted to go – surrounded by love, with Derek whispering how much she meant to him.”

The poignant phrase “The Final Sunset for His Mother” has gone viral on social media, capturing the raw emotion of the moment as Derek shared subtle tributes online, posting a serene sunset photo with the caption simply: “Forever in our hearts.”

Marriann Hough, the glamorous and spiritual matriarch who raised five children including Derek and sister Julianne, had been battling health issues in recent months, though the family kept details private to protect her dignity.

Insiders say the end came swiftly but peacefully at her home, with Derek arriving just in time after a frantic cross-country dash.

“He held her hand and told her it was okay to let go,” the source revealed, voice breaking. “She slipped away looking at the sunset through the window – it was like the universe gave them this beautiful, symbolic goodbye.”

Derek’s wife Hayley, still recovering from welcoming little Everley on December 29, stayed home with their newborn but sent heartfelt messages of support.

Julianne Hough, 37, who co-hosts DWTS, was also by her brother’s side in spirit, posting a throwback family photo with the words: “Mom, you taught us how to dance through life. Rest in peace, beautiful angel.”

The Hough siblings – Sharee, Marabeth, Katherine, Derek and Julianne – have always been incredibly close, crediting their mother Marriann for instilling in them a love of dance, faith and family.

Born in Idaho, Marriann met ex-husband Bruce on a college ballroom team, and together they raised their brood in Utah before divorcing when Derek was 12.

But Marriann remained the heart of the family, later remarrying and embracing her role as an artist and spiritual guide, sharing intuitive paintings and readings on social media.

Just months ago, in September 2025, she reflected movingly on Instagram about watching her “babies” grow up and become parents themselves.

“Life changes on a dime,” she wrote. “We’re all just on loan to each other.”

Little did fans know those words would prove so prophetic.

Derek has often spoken of his mother’s profound influence, from sending him and Julianne to London as teens to train in dance, to being his rock through triumphs and tragedies – including Hayley’s terrifying brain surgery in 2023.

Now, as a new father himself, the timing of this loss has hit Derek particularly hard.

“He’s heartbroken but finding solace in little Everley,” our source said. “Holding his daughter reminds him of holding his mum’s hand – that circle of life, love continuing.”

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world.

DWTS executive producers shared a statement: “Marriann was the spark that lit the Hough fire. Our deepest condolences to Derek, Julianne and the entire family.”

Alfonso Ribeiro, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli all posted personal messages, while former contestants like Robert Irwin – who won the Mirrorball with Derek’s guidance – wrote: “Sending all my love, mate. Your mum was a legend.”

Fans have flooded social media with memories of Marriann’s rare but radiant appearances, like her proud visit to the DWTS finale in November 2025, beaming as her children shone under the lights.

One viral post read: “Marriann Hough raised icons. Her final sunset is breaking all our hearts.”

As the family prepares for a private memorial celebrating her extraordinary life, Derek is said to be channeling his grief into dance – planning a special tribute performance on the next season of DWTS.

“It’s what his mum would have wanted,” the insider added. “To keep dancing, keep loving, keep living fully.”

Marriann Hough’s light may have set with the sun, but for Derek, Julianne and their siblings, her spirit will forever illuminate their steps.

Rest in peace, beautiful soul. You raised a family that dances with angels now.