Racing around the world has given Daisha and Dalton Hamby plenty of stories to tell, but during a recent appearance on Capitol Journal, the Alabama couple made it clear that home is still their favorite place.
The Jacksonville State University alumni joined host Todd Stacy on the Oct. 9 broadcast to talk about competing on CBS’s The Amazing Race, relying on each other through difficult challenges and representing Alabama. They also shared a happy update: They had just gotten married.
Stacy introduced Daisha by her maiden name, Wilks, prompting her to explain that she now shared Dalton’s last name. The newlyweds had announced their marriage in the final Facebook countdown video before the season premiere.
For days, they had been sharing updates and fun facts with everyone following their journey. With one day left, they shared that they had married on the third anniversary of the day they met.
“We figured that the week and life just hasn’t been busy enough,” they shared in the announcement.
Between exchanging “I love you” and enjoying finally being able to call each other husband and wife, their excitement was easy to hear.
Their relationship began with an introduction that Dalton admitted was a little embarrassing.
They had mutual friends on social media but didn’t know each other when he sent Daisha an Instagram message. His introduction included a video of himself physically sliding, accompanied by the words, “This is your DM.”
Dalton told Stacy they felt an immediate connection on their first date.
Daisha grew up in Flat Rock, and Dalton is a Weaver native. As Yellowhammer News previously reported, their shared love of travel had taken them to more than 30 countries before viewers began following their journey on Season 39 of The Amazing Race.
After they spent much of 2024 traveling, Daisha’s mother suggested they apply for the show. Daisha had grown up watching it but doubted they would ever be selected.
Still, they recorded an audition video in a small Alabama town with a sunset behind them and gave it a try. Dalton joked that their country accents might have helped.
Getting selected brought excitement, but preparing for the competition required plenty of work while keeping their participation secret. They practiced running, solving puzzles and working on their relationship.
“It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done,” Daisha said of the race.
The experience required them to depend on each other through physical challenges, unfamiliar situations and the pressure of competition. Daisha described racing as facing the world together with her partner.
Dalton brought a competitive spirit to the partnership, telling Stacy how much he likes winning and hates losing.
Still, sizing up competitors who included Olympians and gold medalists made an impression on the Alabama native. Seeing the other racers’ expressions and determination reminded him how much they wanted to win.
Their appearance on national television has also given the couple opportunities to celebrate the state that helped shape them. During their visit to Montgomery, they met with Gov. Kay Ivey, a visit Stacy said House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter helped arrange.
The couple has been visiting schools and sharing their experiences with students, encouraging them to pursue their interests. Their message, “From Alabama to Anywhere!” reflects their willingness to explore while staying proud of where they started.
The couple told Stacy that, despite visiting so many countries, they always tell students that the best place is Alabama.
“It’s the best place on Earth,” they said.
They credited Alabama’s people with making it special and said home is where they will always return.
During the interview, the couple said they expected the season finale to air Dec. 9 and encouraged viewers to keep watching.
For now, they are enjoying the support of people across their home state — and sharing the experience with the person they chose to marry.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
