Julianne Hough is having a ‘Hot Girl Summer’ 1 year after divorce

Julianne Hough is ready to let go and embrace single life a year after finalizing her divorce from ex-husband Brooks Laich.

“I’m ready for friends and travel, and I think that’s a ‘hot girl summer.'” I don’t know,” Hough, 34, told me Page six at the American Ballet Theater June Gala on Thursday, June 22. When asked if the warmer months could bring new romance, Dancing with the stars host replied, “No!”

Hough and Laich tied the knot in July 2017 after four years of dating. They first sparked split speculation in early 2020 when they spent time apart during the COVID-19 pandemic. They announced their separation in May with the Safe haven star officially files for divorce six months later.

“We have lovingly and carefully taken the time we needed to come to our decision to separate,” the couple said in a joint statement at the time. “We share an abundance of love and respect for each other and will continue to lead from that place with our hearts. We kindly ask for your compassion and respect for our privacy going forward.”

At the time of their breakup, a source told exclusively Us weekly that the pair “argued a lot” before ending their relationship. “[They] simply had different views on important issues. [They were] trying to get separated from each other and deal with all the issues they’ve faced that were worse when they were married,” the insider shared.

While Hough and the retired NHL player have rarely commented on their breakup, the Footless star seemingly offered a glimpse into her post-divorce mindset in July 2020 when she shared a cryptic quote on social media.

“If you feel stuck, depressed, anxious, or hopeless, try to divert your attention from yourself and help someone less fortunate than you. Selfless acts of service ignite the life force energy in the giver,” read a passage via her Instagram story at the time.

Utah native’s brother, Derek Houghexclusively open to Us in October 2020 about how he tried to be a supportive presence for both Julianne and Laich.

“For everyone you love and care about, that’s all you want. You just want people around you to be happy and support and serve them in any way they can,” Derek, 36, explained at the time. “And that’s really the key. For me, when I am happiest is when I am helping or serving others. And sometimes I could just hold a space for someone and that’s it.

He continued: “I think that’s what we all want, right? We just want our whole family, we want all our friends and everyone to be happy. And if we can do something about it, we are happy to do so.”

While Julianne and Laich briefly sparked reconciliation speculation after their initial divorce, the athlete eventually moved on Katrin Tanja Davíðsdóttir and the duo got engaged in February 2022. Julianne, for her part, has been linked to Ben Barnes And Charlie Wilson since she pulled the plug on her marriage.

When it comes to her professional life, Hough is asked to stand in for her Tyra Banks as a cohost of season 32 of DWTS. The choreographer goes along Alfonso Ribeiro on the ABC series, which premieres in September.

“It’s such an honor to be back Dancing with the stars as co-host. The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and various roles I’ve had the privilege of being a part of,” Hough shared. Variety in a statement. “The incredible team that brings life to the ballroom every night has been my family for 17 years.”

She added: “I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the incredibly talented pros and the amazing cast on the dance floor. The energy is magnetic every time you step into the ballroom and I can’t wait to feel it again – and of course share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans – for another exciting season.