Tessa Virtue, the celebrated Olympic ice dancer, is expecting her first child with her husband, Morgan Rielly, the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman. The couple, who tied the knot in 2023, took to Instagram to share their joyous news, much to the delight of their fans and followers.
On Tuesday, Virtue posted stunning photos from a recent vacation, showcasing her growing baby bump. In one photo, Rielly, 30, is seen planting a sweet kiss on Virtue’s cheek, while another highlights her pregnant belly as Rielly enters the surf. The posts were flooded with messages of congratulations and well-wishes from fans around the world.
“Congratulations! You’re going to be the very best mama!” one follower exclaimed. Another added, “So happy for you, Tessa. You deserve all the happiness.” The excitement and joy in the comments were palpable as fans celebrated this milestone with the couple.
The happy news of their pregnancy comes just months after Virtue and Rielly shared that they had privately tied the knot in 2023. The couple revealed their wedding details through an exclusive with Hello! Canada in February. They celebrated their nuptials with an intimate dinner at Noce restaurant in Toronto before flying to Italy for a romantic reception in Tuscany.
Virtue described their decision to keep the marriage private initially, saying, “You know when something is just so meaningful to you that you simultaneously want to just hold on to it and protect it so fiercely, and also shout it from the rooftops?”
Virtue and Rielly’s relationship has been one of mutual support and deep connection. Introduced by mutual friends, they were first photographed together in January 2020 at an MLSE charity event. Their bond only strengthened during the pandemic, as they quarantined together and leaned on each other through the challenging times.
“We are both kind of in it together,” Rielly shared in an April 2020 interview about their time together during the pandemic. “We are trying to keep each other sane. I don’t want to say too much about it, but … I’m glad in a time like this that I’m not alone. We all need somebody to talk to.”
Though the couple tends to be private, Virtue opened up about their relationship on the “Without Losing Your Cool” podcast in January 2023. She shared her journey towards being more open and embracing her relationship with Rielly.
“I was very guarded for a long time, and I wouldn’t give out my phone number, I wouldn’t open up — I was very insular,” Virtue admitted. “I think that’s changed, though. I feel much more open now, and maybe that’s just getting comfortable with who I am and what I want, and also, being a good judge of character helps.”
As Virtue and Rielly prepare to welcome their first child, their story continues to inspire fans around the world. Their journey from Olympic and NHL stars to a loving couple expecting their first baby is a testament to their deep bond and shared dreams.
