Behind the glittering ballroom lights and standing ovations, Dancing with the Stars pro Jenna Johnson is facing a very real and very raw struggle — balancing motherhood with her demanding career. In a tearful confession that’s resonating with moms everywhere, Jenna opened up about the overwhelming pressure of trying to “do it all.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(584x424:586x426):format(webp)/val-chmerkovskiy-jenna-johnson-july-fourth-070523-tout-6f2960ff4d564e369d7b01b773113303.jpg)
“I’m drowning,” she admitted in a recent interview. “I want to be everything — the perfect mom, the perfect wife, the perfect performer. But some days, it just feels like I’m barely keeping it together.”
Jenna and husband Val Chmerkovskiy welcomed their first child in early 2023, a moment that brought joy, transformation, and, as Jenna now reveals, a deep identity shift that she wasn’t fully prepared for.
From Center Stage to Sleepless Nights
Jenna, known for her grace and power on the dance floor, has spent years dazzling audiences with her performances. But motherhood introduced a whole new stage — one with no choreography, no mirror, and no breaks.
“There’s no rehearsal for motherhood,” she said. “You just get thrown into it, and suddenly you’re trying to soothe a crying baby while also preparing for rehearsals and live shows. It’s beautiful… but it’s exhausting.”
While Jenna has tried to maintain her usual high standards in every area of life, she admitted that the pressure to be “perfect” has taken a toll on her mental health.
“Social media makes it look like I have it all together,” she continued. “But behind those pretty pictures are moments of self-doubt, breakdowns in the bathroom, and me wondering if I’m doing enough — or if I’m failing.”
The Guilt That Never Leaves
Like many working moms, Jenna faces the constant push-pull between passion and parenting.
“I love my son more than anything, but I also love what I do,” she said. “There’s so much guilt in that. When I’m at rehearsals, I miss him. When I’m home, I worry I’m letting my castmates down. It feels like I’m always letting someone down.”
Even with a supportive partner like Val, Jenna says the mental load of motherhood still weighs heavy.
“Val is amazing — he’s hands-on, he’s encouraging — but I still carry that invisible weight. I think a lot of moms do. We’re so used to putting ourselves last.”
Why She’s Speaking Out Now
Jenna’s decision to go public with her struggles is part of her effort to normalize these conversations — especially for women in high-pressure, public-facing careers.
“I know I’m not alone. There are so many moms out there trying to chase their dreams while raising a family. I want them to know it’s okay to not be okay. You don’t have to be perfect — just present.”
Despite the challenges, Jenna says she wouldn’t change her life — only the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers.
“My son is my world. And dancing? That’s my soul. I’m learning, every day, that it’s okay to ask for help, to rest, and to stop pretending I have it all figured out.”
“I’m still figuring it out,” Jenna said with a soft smile. “But maybe that’s the most honest dance of all — the one where you stumble, but keep going anyway.”
