J.r. Martinez

Former "Dancing with the Stars" champion J.R. Martinez and longtime girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones welcomed their first child, a girl!

"Extra" caught up with war hero and "Dancing with the Stars" champ J.R. Martinez at the 2012 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

An excited and enthusiastic J.R., Grand Marshal of the annual parade, said he was honored to be part of the New Year festivities and is "embracing the opportunity to be here."

"Dancing with the Stars" champ J.R. Martinez says he had known about girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones' pregnancy since September, but kept it under wraps so he could concentrate on his dancing. J.R. revealed, "I was so focused mentally, emotionally, on 'Dancing with the Stars,' and then I was also processing, 'Whoa, I'm going to be a dad!" That's a lot of information to process at one time!"

Full story US Weekly

Get more "Extra" Scoop headlines for Wednesday, December 21!

Lady Gaga 'So Happy' About Oscar Recognition -- MTV News

Prince Harry Says He Will Return to Afghanistan -- CBS News

Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood Engaged to GF Kelli Cashiola -- NY Daily News

China Says Christian Bale Should Be Embarrassed after Assault -- NY Times

"Dancing with the Stars" champ J.R. Martinez shared some happy news -- he and his girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones will welcome their first child in the spring.

Martinez, 28, told People, "We found out just last week it's a girl and we are over the moon. Diana has a little baby bump now and it's the cutest thing ever. With the holidays coming up, this is the biggest and best gift we could get."

"X Factor" sweetheart Rachel Crow and "Dancing with the Stars" champ J.R. Martinez were among the many stars that attended CNN's Heroes: An All Star Tribute event at The Shrine Auditorium in L.A.

The Tournament of Roses named "Dancing with the Stars" champ J.R. Martinez the Grand Marshal of its famed New Year's Day parade in Pasadena, Calif.

The Iraq war veteran will ride at the front of the 123rd edition of the parade -- which is themed "Just Imagine." "J.R. is not only a courageous and engaging role model for us all but has dedicated himself to helping not only servicemen and servicewomen, but all Americans facing challenges," Tournament President Rick Jackson said in a statement. "His outlook on life is admirable and we couldn't be happier to have the chance to celebrate the New Year with him."