JoJo Siwa reveals unexpected hobby that deepened her relationship with her father

JoJo Siwa opened up about how an unexpected hobby has brought her closer to her father, Tom Siwa, while also sharing new insight into her relationship with boyfriend Chris Hughes.

Speaking exclusively to People at The Snappys Snapchat’s creator awards in Santa Monica, Calif., the 22-year-old star revealed that taking up golf has created a meaningful new connection with her dad.

“I've recently taken up golf, which has brought me very close to my dad,” Siwa said, adding that the shared activity has become a special bonding experience between them.

The former Dance Moms star noted that while public perception often assumes child stars grow apart from their families, her experience has been the opposite.

“It’s interesting. I feel like a lot of times, people expect child stars and their parents to kind of fall out over time, [but] my parents and I, we've only gotten closer,” she said.

Siwa also reflected on her close-knit family dynamic, describing her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, as a constant presence in her life, while emphasizing how meaningful it has been to also strengthen her bond with her father through golf.

“It's been lovely,” she added.

Beyond family life, Siwa also spoke about her relationship with boyfriend Chris Hughes, 33, whom she met while filming Celebrity Big Brother UK. The pair have now been together for nearly a year.

“It’s been the best year ever. And it's only gonna get better from here,” she said. “It's so wild to think that it's been a year.”

While the couple is approaching their first anniversary, Siwa shared that they are keeping celebrations simple and flexible.

“We don't have plans yet. Surely, we'll celebrate somehow,” she said. “Hopefully we get to be together.”

Siwa described Hughes as deeply important to her, explaining that their connection helps her navigate life’s challenges with ease.

“He's my person,” she said. “Everything in life, you'll always find the good and the bright side when it's your person.”

The singer and performer also emphasized that every relationship moves at its own pace, noting that she and Hughes are taking things step by step.

“We're creeping up on our one year anniversary. So we're getting there, but we got time,” she said.