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Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) fans got an update recently about judge Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert. Probably you remember her scary medical emergency from 2023. But recently, they opened up about it on live TV. Read on to find out more.
New Updates
On the weekend, the couple appeared on Good Morning America. They chatted with Michael Strahan and notably, it wasn’t all about bad news. Did you know they welcomed a little baby girl about five months ago?
Naturally, that baby seems more than just children melding a love union. After all, two years ago, it might have seemed impossible.
Remember back in late 2023, the news arrived that Hayley ended up rushed into emergency surgery. Well, that question of bringing a child into the world sat on her mind.
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In aftermath, she said that one of the first questions she asked her surgeon was about fertility.
So, it’s no surprise that the Dancing with the Stars couple describe themselves as being on “Cloud 9.” Certainly, it’s something to celebrate during a professional comeback.
The Symphony of Dance
The interview arrived ahead of the premiere of their new documentary, The Symphony of Dance. If you don’t know, it debuts at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The project wasn’t initially planned, but their director simply began filming standard rehearsal footage. And that peeled over into the difficulty of Hayley’s life-threatening ordeal.
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That there is a whole story: defying medical odds and returning to the dance floor.
The Night Everything Changed
Plenty of DWTS fans felt horrified when the duo were on tour in Washington, D.C. Derek recalled the sheer shock of seeing Hayley wincing in pain before suffering seizures on the side of the stage.
Feedback arrived on social media and in the tabloids. She’d been diagnosed with a severe cranial hematoma caused by a burst blood vessel.
At the time, she needed immediate emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her brain.
Derek opened up about the immense guilt he carried following the incident. While his fans adore the Dancing with the Stars cast member, it might be news to them now that he felt anger.
He admitted that he went through a period of deep resentment toward dancing. And folks nearly never saw him dance again.
One can understand his turmoil at the time. The dances they loved reminded him of his responsibility as a husband and as a working partner.
Plus, the surgery didn’t guarantee a recovery. The prognosis at the time was grim, with medical staff warning Derek that Hayley might face permanent paralysis or severe speech impediments if she survived.
Defying the Odds
Hayley’s determination turned into her best ally. Brushing off warnings that she might never walk again, let alone perform, she was back in the studio just three months post-surgery.
She returned to the stage four months after the operation. Possibly setting the mind of Derek Hough at ease, surgeons later noted that dancing is actually one of the best activities for brain health rehabilitation.
The road back to the spotlight required extreme caution. When the couple resumed their touring, the crew wore specialized badges listing specific symptoms to watch out for.
Initially, Derek admitted to being hyper-aware and overly mindful of every choreography choice to keep her fully protected.
A Year of Hurdles
The medical emergency wasn’t the only crisis the couple went through. Back in 2025, the California wildfires forced them to evacuate their home along with their animals. Terrifying high winds and exploding power lines wasn’t any fun.
However, they later returned safely home. And they shared their empathy for others affected in the fires.
With those challenges behind them, it’s time to look to the future again and fans can’t be happier. Derek Hough prepares for the 35th season of Dancing With the Stars this fall. And he’s on The Next Pro.
Viewers React
Fans of the show and of GMA couldn’t say enough about the almost miraculous change of fate.
One of them opined, “Bless the doctors who gave her that chance of life ❤ Bless Derek for his support of his wife. Bless Hayley for her perseverance and strength.”
Here are a few more responses from the discussion:
- They are a beautiful couple and dancers. Good luck with recovery. Bless you!.
- A beautiful couple! Thank God Hayley survived.
- They are a genuine, beautiful couple. And an inspiration.”
- It’s By The Grace Of God That She Survived & Is Dancing Again
What are your thoughts about the setbacks and changes that happened in the life of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert in the last few years?
Let us know what you think in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your Dancing with the Stars news and updates.