Derek Hough and his wife recently spoke about their upcoming dance tour, which comes several months after Hayley Erbert suffered a near-fatal brain bleed.
On October 18 (2024), dynamic dancing couple Derek and Hayley Erbert Hough caught up with ET‘s Cassie DiLaura to discuss their “Dance for the Holidays Tour.” During the conversation, Hayley’s health became a topic of discussion, as this event marks her return to the tour stage after she underwent emergency brain surgery last year (2023).
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough at The Walt Disney Company’s Emmy Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, California on September 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
At first, the trio swooned over the exciting things Derek and Hayley have in store for the public concerning their tour. Derek announced the tour on August 2 via a riveting reel on Instagram that showed stunning performances by talented dancers.
“Oh man, it’s so exciting. I mean this is us — you know it’s the season of miracles. It’s a joyful season,” expressed the four-time Emmy winner.
Hayley then revealed, “It’s actually really crazy, we’re going to the exact venue where it all happened, again, almost an entire year later.” The professional dancer was, of course, referring to the traumatic time in her life when she suffered a near-fatal brain bleed during a show.
“So it’s — we’re gonna be flooded — flooded with emotions, I know,” added Hayley, who used her arms and hands to gesture the anticipated overwhelming feelings. Hugging her husband, she said, “He’s gonna really feel it.”
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough dancing together on “DWTS,” posted on October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hayley.erbert
Nevertheless, Hayley is ready to get back out there and continue to share her passion for dance with the world. According to DiLaura, rehearsals for the event, which will be the couple’s first holiday tour, are already well underway.
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough. | Source: Instagram/hayley.erbert
Speaking more about the tour, Derek shared, “This is the most choreographically intricate show we’ve ever done. The songs that you know and you love are like, kind of reimagined.” DiLaura then asked Hayley if there are any health concerns she has regarding the tour.
“I just listen to my body. Being a dancer, I feel like I’m really in tune with my body. I do have a medical team still around me,” disclosed Hayley.
Chiming in as the protective husband, Derek quipped about how he is mainly the cautious and nervous one who voices concerns, which Hayley confirmed.
However, Derek clarified, “But she puts my mind at ease.” During the interview, it was also revealed that the duo is set to share more revelations about both Hayley’s inspiring comeback and their love story in a documentary that is reportedly in the works and expected to be released in 2025.
“Jason Bergh, he’s a, you know, award-winning filmmaker. And so, he came in the studio, just kept filming, kept coming with us to hospital visits, he came out on the road with us and really captured the entire journey because it’s really powerful. It’s really beautiful, and I’m just — it’s amazing,” divulged Derek.
A snippet of that journey was shared on a recent episode of “DWTS,” which a TikTok user posted on their account. After Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, reminded the public of Hayley’s December 2023 health scare, the clip began to play.
The video began by showing heartwarming memories that Derek and Hayley shared before their world was turned upside down. Beautiful footage displayed the couple on their wedding day, having fun at the 2023 finale of “DWTS,” and going on the road to perform.
Things took a dark turn when Hayley failed to join her beloved on stage one night because she was suffering from seizures backstage.
Springing into action, a fearful Derek and others rushed Hayley to the hospital, where he heard the devastating words that his wife would need to undergo a craniectomy immediately to repair a cranial hematoma.
Adding further insult to injury, Derek said the doctor told him that Hayley might not make it and even if she did, she would not be the same person. The doting husband stayed by his wife’s side, hoping with all his might that she would pull through.
Derek recalled how unrecognizable Hayley was the next morning, with 40% of her skull missing. When she was strong enough to have the medical tubes that were providing her with assistance removed, Derek said she asked what happened. “‘Weren’t we just dancing?'” pondered Hayley.
Eyes wet with tears and voice filled with emotion, Derek described the wave of relief that came over him after he had heard those words. He felt this way because he was overjoyed to learn that Hayley was still herself and the woman that he loves.
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough performing at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
From then, Hayley embarked on a long recovery journey, with Derek remaining by her side. “I was just so impressed by her strength. She is my beautiful miracle,” swooned Derek.
When Hayley came to sit next to her husband in the clip, she noted, “When I woke up in the hospital, they did tell me, like, ‘We don’t know if you’ll be able to walk again.’ But, I like to say that I’m a very stubborn person, and so I was determined to push myself to the limit to be able to dance again.”
However, she did acknowledge that her recovery was nothing short of challenging. Expressing her profound gratitude to her husband for being there for her, an emotional Hayley stated, “He was my rock throughout it all.”
The video ended by showing the couple gearing up for Hayley’s comeback dance on the popular competition show.
“For me this dance is just a moment for us to be together again on stage, doing what we love. The fact that we’re able to dance together again is nothing short of a miracle, and I’m beyond thankful. I’m so thankful,” concluded Derek.
In March (2024), Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Hough seemingly alluded that Hayley was making a gradual return to dancing when they posted a black and white photo of themselves embracing each other in a dance studio.
“Stepping onto this blank canvas together. Beginning to paint again ❤️,” captioned Derek alongside the post that had netizens abuzz with reactions.
The comment section of the post overflowed with messages of love, support, concern, hope, and encouragement. One fan wrote, “Be careful and rest that body of yours. I know you love to dance but please take care of yourself.”
Another added, “You and @hayley.erbert have been through the scariest part. The rest is just time, patience, and consistent effort—and remembering to enjoy every moment of this beautiful adventure called life. ❤❤”
The sentiments continued with comments like, “A fantastic new chapter lies ahead 💕☺️👩🏼🤝👨🏻” and “Paint what you can but you are already both a masterpiece.”
Hayley’s health struggles also came to the forefront when Derek was awarded an Emmy back in January (2024), as he dedicated the prestigious achievement to his courageous wife. In his acceptance speech, Derek expressed profound gratitude and admiration for Hayley’s strength and resilience throughout her health ordeal.
On Instagram, he shared, “Wow! I am incredibly humbled and grateful for this award. Thank you to the @televisionacad for this recognition… Exactly one month ago, to the day, my world was shaken… To my wife, @hayley.erbert this one’s for you.”
He continued, “The centerpiece and muse of this dance. This journey, these moments, they are all the more precious because of what we’ve endured together.”
In a gesture of mutual support and admiration, Hayley took to Instagram shortly after Derek’s win to congratulate him by sharing a carousel of photos.
In the caption, she wrote, “Congratulations to the love of my life for his 4th Emmy win! (Swipe to see him looking so handsome with his new, beautiful hardware 😍) What a way to be welcomed home after such an unfathomable month. @derekhough, you continue to amaze me with your drive, brilliance, and commitment to excellence.”
Hayley went on to mention how much she had enjoyed being able to witness and take part in her husband’s journey thus far, saying she couldn’t wait to see what his future held. She gushed about how much she loved him and also said that she was “unbelievably proud” of him.
