Witney Carson Returns to 'Dancing With the Stars' Pregnant: 'It's a Big Blessing to Do Both'
Published · Updated
Cited: TODAY.com, Page Six, Yahoo
TL;DR
Reigning 'Dancing With the Stars' champion Witney Carson is proving that motherhood and competition can go hand in hand. As Season 35 premieres, the 32-year-old pro dancer is not only defending her Mirrorball trophy but also expecting her third child. Paired with comedian Guillermo Rodriguez, Carson opens up about her pregnancy journey, her partnership, and what fans can expect from the new season.
Why now
Reigning 'Dancing With the Stars' champion Witney Carson is proving that motherhood and competition can go hand in hand. As Season 35 premieres, the 32-year-old pro dancer is not only defending her Mirrorball trophy but also expecting her third child. Paired with comedian Guillermo Rodriguez, Carson opens up about her pregnancy journey, her partnership, and what fans can expect from the new season.
Agree / conflict
- Pregnancy & Competition: Carson is four months pregnant with her third child while competing on DWTS Season 35. She emphasizes listening to her body and modifying choreography (e.g., avoiding high jumps) but maintaining her usual intensity. - New Partner: She is paired with 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez. Their first dance is a cha cha to 'Mr. Big Stuff' by Jean Knight. - Empowerment Message: Carson wants to show that women don't have to choose between career and family. 'I don't feel like people necessarily have to lose parts of themselves to keep growing their family,' she told TODAY.com. - Campbell's Partnership: She launched 'Two-Step Tuesdays' with Campbell’s new sauces, offering easy meal solutions for busy families. - Vulnerability & Support: Carson described the experience as 'vulnerable' but 'empowering,' crediting the DWTS cast and crew, especially fellow pro Daniella Karagach, for their encouragement. - Why This Matters: This story resonates with working parents, particularly mothers, who balance career ambitions with family life. Carson's journey offers inspiration and practical advice on managing both.
Takeaway
- For Working Parents: Carson proves that with support and smart adjustments, you can pursue your career while growing a family. Her mantra: 'You don't have to lose parts of yourself to grow your family.' - For DWTS Fans: Expect a fun, emotional season with memorable performances and unique themes. Keep an eye on the Carson-Rodriguez partnership — they have potential for a dark horse run. - For Busy Families: Try the 'Two-Step Tuesday' concept — a protein plus Campbell’s Sauce — to simplify dinner without sacrificing quality. - Who This Affects Most: Fans of reality competition shows, working parents, dance enthusiasts, and anyone interested in stories of resilience and empowerment.
- Pregnancy & Competition: Carson is four months pregnant with her third child while competing on DWTS Season 35. She emphasizes listening to her body and modifying choreography (e.g., avoiding high jumps) but maintaining her usual intensity. - New Partner: She is paired with 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez. Their first dance is a cha cha to 'Mr. Big Stuff' by Jean Knight. - Empowerment Message: Carson wants to show that women don't have to choose between career and family. 'I don't feel like people necessarily have to lose parts of themselves to keep growing their family,' she told TODAY.com. - Campbell's Partnership: She launched 'Two-Step Tuesdays' with Campbell’s new sauces, offering easy meal solutions for busy families. - Vulnerability & Support: Carson described the experience as 'vulnerable' but 'empowering,' crediting the DWTS cast and crew, especially fellow pro Daniella Karagach, for their encouragement. - Why This Matters: This story resonates with working parents, particularly mothers, who balance career ambitions with family life. Carson's journey offers inspiration and practical advice on managing both.
Witney Carson's decision to compete on DWTS while pregnant highlights a broader cultural shift toward celebrating working mothers in high-pressure environments. Historically, pregnancy was often seen as a limitation in physically demanding professions like dance. However, Carson's approach—listening to her body, adjusting choreography, and maintaining open communication with her partner and production—challenges that narrative.
Compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data, this analysis draws from multiple interviews with Carson. She noted that rehearsals have been 'normal' so far, with only minor adjustments like avoiding jumps from high places. This pragmatic yet determined attitude mirrors her past success: she won her first Mirrorball in Season 19 with Alfonso Ribeiro and her second in 2025 with Robert Irwin.
The partnership with Guillermo Rodriguez adds a layer of unpredictability. Known for his comedic timing, Rodriguez brings a 'heartwarming' and 'hardworking' energy to the ballroom. Carson’s strategy focuses on building his confidence through practice performances and ensuring he feels supported on live TV.
Carson's collaboration with Campbell’s further illustrates her ability to integrate professional partnerships with family life. 'Two-Step Tuesdays' encourages families to simplify dinner routines, a practical takeaway for busy households.
Regional Trends: Interest in DWTS peaks in the US during premiere weeks and again before the finale, with a secondary spike during holiday episodes. Pregnancy stories on reality competition shows tend to generate higher engagement among millennial and Gen Z viewers, particularly women aged 25–44.
Do you think Witney Carson can go all the way this season while pregnant? Share your predictions and support in the comments!
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Sources: - [TODAY.com](https://www.today.com/parents/celebrity/witney-carson-pregnant-competing-dancing-with-the-stars-rcna597174?ref=yanuki.com) - [Page Six](https://pagesix.com/2026/09/15/entertainment/witney-carson-details-vulnerable-pregnancy-journey-on-dancing-with-the-stars-ahead-of-premiere-with-guillermo-rodriguez/?ref=yanuki.com) - [Yahoo Entertainment](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/dancing-stars-pro-witney-carson-144315154.html?ref=yanuki.com)
FAQ
How is Witney Carson managing pregnancy and DWTS rehearsals?
Carson says she's 'feeling good' and treats this season like any other, but is careful not to overdo it. She avoids high jumps and listens to her body, but otherwise, her choreography remains similar to past seasons.
Who is Witney Carson's partner for Season 35?
She is paired with Guillermo Rodriguez, the beloved sidekick from 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Their first dance is a cha cha to 'Mr. Big Stuff' by Jean Knight.
What is Campbell's Two-Step Tuesdays?
It's a partnership Witney launched with Campbell’s to promote their new sauces. Two-Step Tuesdays encourage families to cook a protein, add a sauce, and have a quick, delicious meal — a 'two-step routine' she says anyone can master.
Has any DWTS pro competed while pregnant before?
While rare, other pros have danced during early pregnancy. Carson is one of the few to publicly compete while visibly pregnant, making her story particularly inspiring for working mothers.
Where can I watch DWTS Season 35?
The two-night premiere airs on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16. After that, episodes air Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+, streaming the next day on Hulu.
Sources
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