“Dancing With the Stars” judge Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert shared a big update more than one year after Erbert’s health scare and emergency surgery.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been out out,” Erbert told Entertainment Tonight at the 33rd Annual Elton John Aids Foundation Academy Awards viewing party on Sunday, March 2.
“This is so fun and we get to see so many amazing people, watch The Oscars, obviously, and support an amazing cause. So, we’re always excited to be here,” she continued.
The couple went on to share that they get to “relax a little bit” after the completion of their holiday tour. When Erbert was asked how she was doing, she responded, “feeling really amazing, doing really well.”
In December 2023, Erbert was rushed to the hospital after falling ill during a show. After running some tests, doctors found an inter-cranial hematoma — a very serious brain bleed — and needed to perform emergency surgery.
Although the initial prognosis didn’t look good, Erbert was able to pull through and make a near-full recovery.
Now, however, she’s still very cautious about her health, especially when she’s dancing.
“When we go on tour, all the dancers in crew, we all have these little badges that say if there’s any signs of this, this, this, or that, we need to find medical team or something,” Hough told People magazine in October 2024.
“Just so we’re aware. We’re just very cautious. But I’m very, very, very mindful, almost maybe overly mindful of things that we do, moves that we do to make sure that she’s protected, she’s safe at all times,” he added.
It’s been a crazy couple of months for Hough and Erbert. The two were forced to evacuate their home due to the wildfires in California.
“The winds are hitting 100mph, and we’re packing up, preparing to evacuate with our five animals if needed,” Hough shared in a Facebook update on January 7.
“It’s scary with power lines exploding around us and the fires spreading so fast. Thank you to the incredible firefighters risking everything to keep us safe. Sending all our prayers and love to the firefighters and everyone affected by the fires near us. Please, everyone, stay safe, stay smart, and look out for each other,” he added.
A short while later, Erbert shared a positive update.
“We are all back home and safe,” Erbert captioned a post on her Instagram Stories on January 18. “Feeling so grateful while simultaneously feeling so heartbroken for our city and the people who have been affected.”
