Hayley Erbert Hough, the Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough's wife, has found her way back to the dance floor of the same show for the October 15 episode, about a year after she underwent an emergency craniectomy.
In the introductory clip, Hough reflects on his wife's health scares, noting that the two had just finished filming season 32 when she began having seizures and "essentially, dying."
In September 2024, he told PEOPLE that “it's really hard” watching his wife go through what she did, noting that the two were “really trying to stay in the moment, staying present.”
"That's so much easier said than done, and it just sounds like such a phrase. It's one of the things that I really learned from Hayley during that time that she helped me with. Honestly, she was just in the moment, you know, she wasn't focusing on what's gonna happen, what's the future, it was just about, 'What can I do right now that's going to help them, or even help myself,' and just staying present.”
Derek Hough reflects on Hayley Erbert's health scares, says it was "devastating"
In the clip, Derek Hough revealed that the duo was finally back on the road again, "doing what we loved with the person that we love." He said, as seen in the sneak peek,
"It just all came to a screeching halt in the most devastating way. I was on stage, and she's supposed to come out. The stage manager walked out and just said, 'Hey, she's not coming on stage.' She was on the side of the stage having full seizures and, essentially, dying. It's really hard to even put into words other than just pure fear."
He continued, revealing how Hayley Erbert was taken to the hospital right away.
"We rush her to the hospital, she's still in her costume, and the doctor came to me and he said that, 'She has a severe brain bleed, so we have to operate right now.' He said that she might not make it and that even if she does make it, she won't be the same person."
In an Instagram post from December 23, Hough released a statement about his wife's health, disclosing that she "became disoriented and was taken to the hospital," while on the road for their Symphony of Dance tour.
He revealed that she was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma stemming from a burst blood vessel, prompting an emergency craniectomy.
However, Hayley Erbert was in stable condition by then, and he ended the statement by thanking all "first responders and medical personnel who have cared for and continue to care for her," and asked for the public's "prayers and positivity during this time."
Derek Hough says wife Hayley Erbert is a "miracle"
The couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary on August 26, and Hough took to Instagram to commemorate the occasion.
"1-year ago today I married my beautiful wife @hayley.erbert. This past year has been a journey filled with so many challenges, blessings, difficulties and triumphs. Through it all, your grace and beauty have shone brightly, reminding me every day of how blessed I am to walk this path with you.”
The post further read,
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"But above all, this year has been a testament to the power of love—our love. Love truly conquers all,” it continued. “Here’s to many more years of facing life together, with love leading the way. I love you more than words can express. Happy Anniversary ❤️”
In speaking with E! News that following month, he revealed that children may be on the cards for them "eventually," and that Hayley Erbert is “a miracle. She really is, and I don't say that lightly."
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