'DWTS' Champ J.R. Martinez to be a Father
The winner of this season’s “Dancing with the Stars” J.R. Martinez has announced he will become a father this spring.
The 28-year-old Iraq war veteran and his girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones are expecting their first child, a baby girl.
“We found out just last week it’s a girl and we are over the moon,” said Martinez speaking to People magazine. “Diana has a little baby bump now and it’s the cutest thing ever.”
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The “All My Children” actor met his girlfriend when he was casted for a role on the soap opera.
“With the holidays coming up, this is the biggest and best gift we could get,” added Martinez.
Martinez took to Twitter after news of his fatherhood broke on Friday, posting: “Big #thanks to everyone for the well wishes and funny comments. Didn’t think it would be such news but happy for the luv! #fatherhood.”
While on season 13 of “Dancing with the Stars,” the actor and war vet captured America’s attention and gained nation-wide admiration. Martinez and his partner Karina Smirnoff overcame the odds and came out on top of the dance competition last month.
Martinez is a motivational speaker and activist for veterans after having sustained severe burns on over 40 percent of his body while in Iraq, serving the U.S. Army. The 2003 mine blast injuries forced the veteran to undergo numerous operations to recover from the explosion, and he is widely heralded as an inspirational winner on “DWTS.”
As a result of his work and his “DWTS” championship, the father-to-be has been chosen as grand marshal of the 123rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade. In addition, he has been invited to visit the Pentagon where he will speak to top military leaders.
