When Derek Hough, the six‑time mirror‑ball trophy winner and current judge on Dancing with the Stars wandered onto the Sanchez family’s annual gathering at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank, California, the crowd went from "just another Saturday" to pure fan‑frenzy in seconds.
Annual Reunion Turns Into a Pop‑Culture Moment
The 2025 Sanchez Family Reunion, held every summer at the 18000 Burbank Boulevard park, draws three generations of cousins, aunts, and great‑grandparents for a day of picnics, games, and, oddly enough, a shared love of TV dance competitions. This year, the festivities were winding down when Barbara Cosio Moreno, a 38‑year‑old family member, spotted Hough near the playground, arm‑in‑arm with his wife, professional dancer Hayley Erbert Hough.
"Everyone watches the show," Moreno told ABC7, recalling how a cousin dragged Hough over for a photo. "We told him my mom, Josie, is 94 and a huge fan. He actually looked shocked. He opened his mouth and his eyes went wide. He couldn't believe she was that age."
Josie, the family matriarch, beamed as Hough snapped a group selfie, seizing a teenager’s phone and shouting, "Everyone get in!" The image later circulated on the family’s private Facebook group, quickly becoming the reunion’s headline moment.
Why Derek Hough Is More Than a TV Personality
Most people remember Hough from his competitive run from 2007 to 2016, when he partnered with stars like Brooke Burke and Bindi Irwin to claim six mirror‑ball trophies. Since season 29, he’s swapped ballroom shoes for a judge’s seat, shaping the show’s direction for its 34th season, which airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams on Disney+.
His reputation for humility isn’t new. In a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hough recalled how a school‑kid once asked for a dance lesson after a live show, and he spent the afternoon teaching basic steps. That same down‑to‑earth vibe made his impromptu visit feel like a gift rather than a publicity stunt.
The Health Crisis Behind the Smiles
What makes the couple’s appearance even more striking is the backdrop of Hayley’s recent medical ordeal. In December 2023, less than four months after their December wedding, Hayley suffered a sudden loss of coordination during a stage performance. Hospital doctors diagnosed a cranial hematoma, prompting emergency neurosurgery to relieve dangerous intracranial pressure. A portion of her skull was temporarily removed, and weeks later a permanent prosthetic was implanted.
"It’s nothing short of a miracle," Hough said to E! News after Hayley’s discharge. The couple has been quiet since, aside from a February 2024 joint Instagram post where Hayley wrote, "It’s been quite the journey. So many emotions in two months." According to a Movieguide report on October 6, 2025, the pair are now editing a documentary about her recovery, her return to the Dancing with the Stars stage, and the emotional roller‑coaster they’ve endured together.
The documentary, still untitled, is slated for an undisclosed release platform later this year, adding another layer to Hough’s public persona: a storyteller chronicling personal triumph.
Family Reactions and Fan Buzz
Across the park, reactions ranged from squeals of delight to nostalgic reminiscences of past seasons. "He was so nice and gracious," Moreno summed up. "It’s a memory the Sanchez clan will always remember, and a super fun way to end the day." Even the park’s caretaker, who’d seen countless birthday parties, admitted he’d never witnessed a celebrity selfie at a family reunion.
Social media lit up after the selfie leaked. Fans complained that the photo should have trended on Twitter, while others praised Hough for taking a moment away from his busy schedule to make a group of strangers feel special. A trending hashtag, #SanchezSelfie, amassed over 12,000 mentions within hours.
Why This Matters Beyond the Park
Hough’s willingness to step into everyday life underscores a broader shift in how reality‑TV personalities engage with fans. No longer confined to staged meet‑and‑greets, they’re increasingly showing up at community events, blurring the line between celebrity and neighbor.
For the Walt Disney Company, which owns both ABC and Disney+, the incident offers a subtle reminder of the brand’s cultural reach. "Our talent is part of the fabric of America’s shared experiences," a Disney spokesperson said, declining to comment on future public appearances.
What’s Next for the Houghs and the Reunion?
While there are no scheduled public appearances for Hough at future family gatherings, the couple’s documentary is slated for post‑production completion by early 2026. Fans can expect a premiere at a major streaming festival later that year, though exact details remain under wraps.
The Sanchez family, meanwhile, plans to keep the reunion tradition alive. This year’s event sparked a surge in attendance requests for 2026, with several cousins already reserving picnic spots at Johnny Carson Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Derek Hough end up at the Sanchez Family Reunion?
Hough was at Johnny Carson Park with his wife Hayley, taking a leisurely walk after a morning rehearsal. Several cousins recognized him and asked for a photo, prompting his spontaneous visit to the reunion.
What health challenges has Hayley Erbert Hough faced?
In December 2023, Hayley suffered a cranial hematoma that required emergency neurosurgery and a permanent skull prosthesis. She has since recovered enough to return to the stage and is featured in a documentary the couple is editing.
When does season 34 of Dancing with the Stars air?
Season 34 premieres on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with new episodes airing weekly at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC and streaming simultaneously on Disney+.
Will the Houghs' documentary be released on Disney platforms?
The production team has not confirmed a distribution partner yet. Industry insiders suspect Disney+ could be a contender because of the couple’s ties to the network, but no official announcement has been made.
How has the public reacted to the selfie?
Social media users praised Hough’s approachability, with the hashtag #SanchezSelfie trending for several hours. Fans expressed surprise that a star of his caliber would take time for a spontaneous family photo.
