In December 2023, Derek Hough‘s wife, Hayley Erbert, suffered a health emergency while the couple were on tour. The “Dancing With the Stars” judge is sharing new details about the terrifying moment and the “daily triumphs” Erbert had during her recovery.
Derek Hough Recalls Hayley Erbert Was ‘Literally Dying’
During an interview on the October 13 episode of the “Sibling Revelry” podcast, Hough recalled the moment that Erbert suffered a medical emergency during their tour.
Hough shared, “We were on stage in front of 4,000 people and we were at the end of the show and she was kind of squinting … audibly was making discomfort noises.” Erbert had a neck strain mid-dance and Hough explained that he was “protecting her neck” while they performed.
“And then we’re supposed to come out for this moment and she didn’t come out,” Hough noted. He kept things going by talking with the audience.
Hough continued, “The irony of it all was that, in that moment, I’m talking about a friend of mine that passed away and I’m talking about how fragile and precious life is, and how it’s fleeting, and that we cherish the ones that we love. And meanwhile, she’s literally dying on the side of the stage.”
The “DWTS” judge shared, “It was that acute. She was at that point having seizures. And she doesn’t remember anything.”
At the hospital, Hough said the doctor told him, “It’s not good, it’s very severe … Even if she survives, because it’s that bad, she probably isn’t going to be the same person that you know … So basically, you’ve lost the person that you knew.”
The pro dancer also explained how they had to decide which hospital to go to. “It was either a stroke or something brain-related, so in that moment we decided to go to the further hospital because it was more about brain, but we didn’t know,” Hough explained.
He shared that the doctor later told him, “If you would have went to the other hospital, she would have died.”
Erbert was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma and had multiple surgeries.
“It was one of the hardest times and the best times ever,” Hough shared, explaining how his wife’s “daily triumphs” along the way were so significant.
Derek Hough & Hayley Erbert Share Emotional Dance on ‘DWTS’
In October 2024, Hough and Erbert returned to the dance floor on an episode of “Dancing With the Stars.”
On October 16, 2024, Hough took to Instagram to share a video of their performance and reflect on the emotional dance.
“Last night was such a powerful, full-circle moment for us. To be back in the ballroom, performing together again. Feels like an absolute miracle,” he wrote in the caption. “There were moments when it seemed impossible that we’d ever get back to this place.”
Hough continued, “We’re so thankful to the doctors and nurses who saved her life, our family and friends, and to all the people whose love and support poured in during this time. Your care has been such a huge part of her recovery.”
The “DWTS” judge added, “Last night was just the beginning of sharing our story, and we can’t wait to take you along on the rest of this journey. We love you all so much, and we’re just overwhelmed with gratitude.”
