Derek Hough and Wife Hayley Erbert Share ‘Miraculous’ Update After Health Scare

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert at Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Calif., on May 12, 2023. Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for National Alliance on Mental Illness Westside Los Angeles

Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, have shared an emotional update on her recovery following her emergency brain surgery in December.

On Feb. 5, the couple—who wed in August 2023—gave their first on-camera update since Ms. Erbert, 29, suffered a cranial hematoma last year. “It’s been quite the journey,” she said in a video shared on Instagram. “There’s been so much that has happened in two months. Lots of emotions—all the things.”

Mr. Hough, 38, said the couple had experienced the “highest of highs” and the “lowest of lows.”

“But I have to say, throughout this experience, this woman has been unbelievable,” the professional dancer and “Dancing With the Stars” judge shared. “And her perseverance and her acceptance of the whole situation—her strength—it’s been remarkable to witness firsthand.

“She really is a miracle,” he continued. “And it’s been miraculous, and it’s still a journey.”

Ms. Erbert said she still has “really good days” and “really bad days”—both emotionally and physically. However, she said she’s doing “so much better every single day” and is grateful for her progress.

The dancer and internet personality added that she was thankful for the outpouring of messages and prayers she had received from her followers.

“Genuinely, I believe that it’s what’s gotten me through this a little bit faster,” she shared. “And it’s what helped me heal; it’s what helped me stay positive throughout the entire experience.”

Emergency Brain Surgery

On Dec. 7, Mr. Hough took to Instagram to share that his wife had “become disoriented” after the couple performed in Washington the previous evening during a leg of his “Symphony of Dance” tour. The tour was subsequently postponed, per a statement published on Mr. Hough’s website.

Ms. Erbert was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma after a blood vessel burst in her brain. She underwent an emergency craniectomy—a type of surgery where a portion of the skull is removed to help relieve pressure on the brain.

Mr. Hough revealed his wife was in “stable condition” following the surgery. He went on to thank the first responders and medical personnel who “cared for and continue to care for her.”

“I ask for your prayers and positivity during this time,” he wrote.

On Dec. 21, Mr. Hough shared another emotional update on Instagram following Ms. Erbert’s cranioplasty. The surgical procedure is performed to repair the portion of the skull that is removed during a craniectomy.

“This surgery marks a significant milestone in my wife’s recovery journey, and your support has played a crucial role in getting us here,” he wrote. “We are filled with hope and optimism for the future, knowing she is on the path to a full recovery, surrounded by such a loving community.”

Road to Recovery

In the couple’s recent video update, Ms. Erbert showed off her new short haircut and her surgery scar, which was visible on the top of her head.

“It’s a new year, it’s a new haircut, a new skull,” her husband quipped.

“A new sack of fluid on the side of my face—which is supposed to eventually go away—but right now, it’s still there,” Ms. Erbert added.

Ms. Erbert said she also has a new outlook on life. “Life is so precious, and just spend time with the ones you love. Hold them close, ‘cause you never know what could happen,” she said.

On Jan. 7, just one month after their health scare, Mr. Hough took home the Creative Arts Emmy Award for outstanding choreography for variety or reality programming for his choreographed routine for Michael Bublé’s music video “Higher,” which the dancer performed on the ABC dancing series while Mr. Bublé belted out the song.

During his tearful acceptance speech, Mr. Hough dedicated the award to his wife. “Exactly a month ago, I was in the hospital, so this is a different moment,” he said in a video shared by Extra TV. “A month ago was a life-changing moment, and it just reminded me how to really cherish and to really savor each and every moment.”

Mr. Hough noted that winning the award was “a stark contrast” to being in the hospital with his wife during her health scare. He said he'd just flown in from Washington, so the award was “a nice welcome home gift.”

“I want to dedicate this to my beautiful wife. Your strength and your courage this whole month has been unbelievable,” he said. “You inspire me every single day the way you accept this moment and as you surrendered and your strength.”

On Jan. 8, Ms. Erbert took to Instagram to congratulate her husband on his award. “What a way to be welcomed home after such an unfathomable month,” she wrote. “[Derek Hough] you continue to amaze me with your drive, brilliance, and commitment to excellence.

“I have loved being able to witness and be apart [sic] of your journey this far and cannot wait to see what else the future holds,” she added.