Haley Erbert Hough vulnerably posted a new set of Instagram photos showing the aftermath of the surgery she underwent following a traumatic brain injury to promote her upcoming documentary, “The Symphony of Dance.”
She explained in the caption that the film, directed by Jason Bergh, captures her and her husband Derek Hough‘s journey through the injury and will premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival in June. The first couple of promo photos show a short-haired Hayley dancing with Derek and standing in the shower, while the third shows her lying in a hospital bed with a large bandage over her skull. The fifth shot shows Hayley with a huge section of her head completely shaved.
Hayley Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury Back in 2023
In December 2023, Hayley needed an emergency craniectomy and had 40% of her skull removed to relieve the pressure caused by a brain bleed. Derek later spoke out about the dancer’s first thoughts after waking up from surgery. He told People in a February 2026 joint interview with his wife that her first question was, “Am I able to have children in the future?” He said the doctor reassuringly replied, “Yes, of course,” and noted how Hayley’s concern for her potential future family seemed to trump any worried about her ability to dance.
Hayley jumped in to call baby Everley Capri, whom the couple welcomed in December 2025, “our rainbow after the storm” after walking through “so many moments in life that are not as great.” The feature says Derek added, “She’s been through so much. To see her go from where she was to now, giving birth, is amazing. My daughter has a great example here.”
She previously reflected on the scary medical emergency in a post towards the end of her pregnancy. She wrote that she’s “so incredibly proud of myself and my body for everything it has endured. What a miracle it is that two years ago I was fighting for my life… and now, here I am creating life.”
Hayley Got Lots of Love From Fans & Castmates On Her Brave Post
“DWTS” pro Jenna Johnson was one of the first to comment on Hayley’s emotional post. She wrote, “Sobbing. Cannot wait to watch your inspiring journey.”
Emma Slater chimed in to say, “I can’t wait to watch but I know I’ll also be in tears. Inspired by your strength.”
Witney Carson simply added a string of crying emojis and hearts, while Pasha Pashkov left three emojis of heart hands.
A fan commented, “Just seeing your pics makes me emotional as a partner of someone who went through a really rough time as well. Watching someone so strong in a time he was so weak and broken down was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to endure. But watching the come back is so magical. Watching your journey has been incredible. ❤️ sending love!”
