DWTS Star Admits He Struggled With Insecurity While His Wife Soared — “She Deserved Better Than the Man I’d Become”

In a raw and soul-baring confession, Dancing With the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy is opening up about the silent struggle that nearly unraveled him — all while his wife, Jenna Johnson, was thriving in the spotlight.

“She was soaring, and I was sinking. It should’ve been the happiest time for us — and I hated myself for not being able to fully be in it with her.”

As Jenna’s career hit dazzling new highs — choreographing Emmy-worthy routines, captivating fans, and commanding the ballroom like never before — Val admits he found himself quietly crumbling under the weight of comparison, doubt, and the fear of fading relevance.

“I Felt Like I Was Losing Myself”

Val, known for his intensity and passion, said he began to spiral as Jenna stepped into her power.

“I’ve always been proud of her. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt to feel left behind,” he confessed. “There were days I couldn’t even look in the mirror without feeling like a fraud.”

The insecurities didn’t stem from jealousy — but from a sense of personal failure, of watching the woman he loved become everything she dreamed of… while he questioned his place in the world they built together.

“I was ashamed of my thoughts. Ashamed that instead of celebrating her wins, I was stuck in my own ego, asking, ‘What about me?’”

 

The Moment That Broke Him — And Saved Him

Val reveals it all came to a head during one particular awards night when Jenna was honored for her choreography.

“She was glowing — magnetic. I looked at her, and all I could think was, ‘She deserves someone better than the man I’ve become.’ I clapped, I smiled, but inside, I was drowning.”

It wasn’t until a quiet moment at home, when Jenna held his face in her hands and told him, “You’re not lost. You’re evolving,” that something cracked open inside him.

“That’s when I realized… she wasn’t leaving me behind. She was pulling me forward.”

Rising Together

Today, Val says he’s working through those feelings — with therapy, honesty, and Jenna’s unwavering support. He credits her love and grace with helping him confront the parts of himself he used to bury.

“I’m learning to be proud of her and proud of myself. We’re not in competition. We’re a team. And teams have seasons — hers just came before mine.”

As for the future, Val says he’s ready to rise again — this time, on his own terms.

“Loving someone that deeply means letting their light shine… even when you’re sitting in the shadows. But I’m not afraid of the dark anymore. I know my light’s still there — and it’s coming.”