Derek Hough Shares Video Update on Wife Hayley Erbert After "Life-Threatening" Skull Surgery

Derek Hough gave an update on wife Hayley Erbert's health after she underwent emergency skull surgery from a burst blood vessel, posting a video of the couple walking in Washington D.C.

By Lindsay Weinberg Dec 16, 2023 2:46 AMTags
Watch: Derek Hough Shares Update on Wife Hayley’s “Miracle” Healing

Derek Hough is reflecting on his wife's "miracle" healing process.

Hayley Erbert was hospitalized Dec. 6 following the couple's Symphony of Dance tour performance in Washington, D.C., and had to undergo emergency skull surgery due to a burst blood vessel.

Derek, 38, is now giving insight on the "challenging journey" they've experienced since Hayley's "life-threatening" medical event.

"It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, going from living our dreams onstage, to a nightmare in an instant," the Dancing With the Stars judge wrote on Instagram Dec. 15 on behalf of the couple. "But today, we are filled with hope and relief as we share with you an update."

He posted a video of the 29-year-old wearing a headpiece, a sherpa jacket, sweatpants and Ugg boots, as they walked arm-in-arm by the Washington Monument in the U.S. capital. 

"Hayley is doing well," Derek noted in the caption. "Her recovery process has been nothing short of a miracle. She still has a ways to go with another surgery, hopefully in a few weeks, to insert a skull implant to replace the piece that was removed during the craniectomy."

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The goal of the second procedure is to restore the natural shape of the skull and protect her brain from injury, according to the dancing pro. 

"Thank you for the incredible support and medical care she has received," he continued. "It's been a profound reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly things can change. But, it has also shown us the incredible strength and resilience that lies within us and the power of having a supportive community around us."

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Expressing his gratitude to friends and fans alike, Derek shared, "While this isn't the holiday season either of us envisioned, it's one that we're incredibly grateful to have. We look forward to cherishing these moments with a deeper appreciation for life and the people in it."

His sister Julianne Hough was among the first to send her love, commenting in a message to Hayley, "Our Wolverine Viking Warrior Princess!" 

For a look back at Hayley and Derek's love story, waltz through these photos.

October 2015: Hayley Joins Dancing With the Stars

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert meet back in 2014 when she performed on his and sister Julianne Hough's tour. A Dancing With the Stars producer is impressed with Hayley and she is called to interview to join the show's troupe, getting the job the following year, according to the Hutchington News. Also in 2015, she and Derek begin dating.

July 2016: Derek & Hayley Step Out

The two begin going out to public events, including at the 2016 premiere of the Tony Robbins Netflix documentary I Am Not Your Guru.

September 2016: Creative Arts Emmys Governors Ball

The duo get glammed up for a star-studded night out.

August 2017: Red Carpet Debut

The dancers make their red carpet debut as a couple at the Television Academy's 2017 Choreography Peer Group Celebration at Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, Calif.

September 2017: Emmys Date

Hayley joins Derek as his date for the Creative Arts Emmys, where he was nominated for Outstanding Choreography for his work on Dancing With the Stars.

October 2017: Happy Halloween

The two attend the star-studded Casamigos Halloween Party.

November 2017: Christmas Tree Lighting

Hayley joins Derek as he hosts The Americana at Brand shopping mall's Christmas tree lighting event in Glendale, Calif.

May 2018: May the Force Be With You

The two attend the Hollywood premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story.

September 2018: Emmys After-Party Date

The couple steps out at HBO's post-Emmys celebration.

October 2019: They Are the Ones Who Hug

They aren't pumping the brakes as they attend the premiere of Netflix's El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.

February 2020: Oscars Party Date

The two pose for pics at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Oscar viewing party.

November 2020: Disney Holiday Singalong

Feeling festive, they dance on the special to ring in the Christmas season.

August 2021: Respect Premiere

The two are all smiles at the premiere in Los Angeles.

August 2021: Emmy Winner

The partners appear at the Creative Arts Emmys, where Derek wins Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming for his work on Dancing with the Stars.

March 2022: Oscars Party Dance

The two dance as they arrive at the 2022 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party.

May 2022: Top Gun: Maverick Premiere

They look top tier on the red carpet.

June 2022: Engaged

Hayley flashes her engagement ring at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

June 2023: Elemental Premiere

The two get cozy at the launch of the Disney-Pixar film.

August 2023: Just Married and Honeymoon

The couple honeymoon in Italy following their Aug. 26, 2023 wedding in California.

December 2023: In Sickness and in Health

Derek was by Hayley's side as she underwent emergency skull surgery due to a burst blood vessel. "It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, going from living our dreams onstage, to a nightmare in an instant," he wrote on Instagram over a week later. "Her recovery process has been nothing short of a miracle."

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