Hayley Erbert Hough is marking two years since the medical emergency that changed her life. The former “Dancing With the Stars” troupe dancer and her husband, longtime DWTS pro and current judge Derek Hough, have remained beloved favorites among fans who have followed their journey from the ballroom to real life.
To jog your memory a little, in December 2023, Hayley underwent an emergency craniectomy after a cranial hematoma caused by a burst blood vessel.
Two Years Later, Hayley Shares the Emotions Behind Her Recovery
Surgeons removed part of her skull to relieve pressure, followed by a later cranioplasty to place a skull implant.
On Saturday, December 6, the professional dancer shared an emotional Instagram post honoring the milestone.
“Two years ago today, I was given a second chance at life through life-saving brain surgery,” Hayley wrote. “In these two years, I’ve gone through every human emotion imaginable, the kind that cracks you open and the kind that puts you back together.”
DWTS Family Rallies Around Hayley
Hayley said the experience reshaped her in ways she never anticipated. “I’ve reclaimed parts of myself I thought I’d never find again, rediscovered who I am, and moved through seasons of loss, triumph, joy, endless fear, grief, healing, and quiet hope. It was a whirlwind to say the least,” she continued.
She added that the recovery left her with deep gratitude. “But I’m truly grateful for it all, and 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 and her husband, Derek Hough, are expecting their first child this month. Derek commented on the post, “My life . My world . My Everything ❤️❤️.”
His sister, DWTS host Julianne Hough, added, “Miracles 🤍.”
Planning Parenthood and Preparing to Tour Again
GettyOnce the baby arrives, Derek and Hayley will head back on the road for their Symphony of Dance: Encore tour, set for June through August next year. In a recent interview with E! News, Derek admitted he initially hesitated about returning to touring so soon after becoming a father.
“I actually said, ‘Honey, I don’t know,’” Derek shared. “I was like, ‘I don’t even know if I want to go on tour. I don’t know what I’m gonna feel, what I’m gonna experience.’”
His concerns eased when Hayley encouraged him to move forward, reminding him of the determination that carried her through her recovery.
Derek said the decision reminded him of the resilience Hayley showed after her surgery. “Just like her recovery, she had this goal, this mission to work towards something,” he said.
“And it really helped her recover. I think that she has a similar mentality even with this.”
As Hayley prepares to welcome her first child, she continues to honor the life-changing moment that shaped her future, and the second chance she never takes for granted.
Thet deserve every ounce of happiness that comes their way. They have certainly made so many of our lives happier just by sharing their joy of dance and their personal stories.