Hayley Erbert Feeling “Really Strong” 2 Years After Brain Surgery

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Hayley Erbert is dancing through motherhood with grace.

Now that dancer Hayley Erbert and her husband, Derek Hough, are new parents to their baby, Everley, she’s opening up about her health journey, which included emergency brain surgery over two years ago.

Erbert shared with TopMob News at the premiere of Symphony of Dance on June 7th that she’s feeling fantastic. ‘I’m doing great now,’ she said. ‘I feel really strong and healthy.’ She also revealed she welcomed a baby girl five months ago, adding, ‘I feel really, really amazing.’

For this couple, who married in 2023 after being together for eight years, seeing their daughter, Everley, grow and reach new milestones has been more fulfilling than any award.

At the New York City premiere, Julianne Hough told TopMob that her baby is doing great. ‘She’s constantly smiling and giggling, and loves to grab her toes – she’s always in a happy mood!’ Hough shared. ‘Every day brings something new and wonderful, and it’s been an amazing experience.’

For Everley, simply traveling to New York City for the documentary’s premiere was a huge accomplishment. The film detailed her brain surgery in December 2023 and her inspiring recovery and return to performing.

The Dancing With the Stars judge revealed, “Her first trip was flying here. She was amazing.”

Erbert didn’t hesitate to share the joys and challenges of being a parent with her followers, openly discussing her personal experiences.

I like to share experiences I think others can connect with,” she said. “I’ve talked to many mothers who’ve gone through similar things, and my hope is that by sharing my own journey, I can help others feel less isolated.

She said she was really touched by the positive reaction. “Everyone seemed to connect with it, and it was just beautiful,” she explained.

Indeed, earlier this year, Erbert shared the wide-ranging emotions she felt since giving birth.

She shared on Instagram in April that motherhood is far more complicated and full of contradictions than she expected. It’s like being pulled in two different directions, experiencing both incredible happiness and deep sadness simultaneously. She described feeling an overwhelming fullness of love alongside a constant ache of vulnerability.

Thinking about how quickly Everley was growing and appreciating the joy it brought, she made a heartfelt promise to their daughter.

It’s strange, but I’m happy with every new step you take, even as I feel a little sad about the person you were just a moment ago. If that’s what being a mother is like – feeling both joy and a sense of loss at the same time – then I’ll embrace it. I want to cherish every little thing about you, at every stage.

For a look back at Hough and Erbert’s winning romance, keep reading.

Indeed, earlier this year, Erbert shared the wide-ranging emotions she felt since giving birth.

Okay, so she posted this on Instagram, and honestly, it totally gets it. She said motherhood is way more complicated than she ever thought possible, and I’m like, YES! She described it as feeling like she’s living in two different worlds at the same time, and it’s just… perfect. Like, you can be unbelievably happy and completely heartbroken all at once, and that’s just normal. She said her heart feels like it’s exploding with love, but also shattering into a million pieces, and I swear, she’s reading my mind! It’s so raw and real, and it just perfectly captures everything I see in her and how I feel about motherhood too.

Thinking about how quickly Everley was growing and how wonderful it was to witness, she made a heartfelt promise to their daughter.

It’s such a strange and beautiful feeling, watching my child grow. I feel so happy with every new milestone, but there’s also a little sadness as I realize that a previous stage is gone forever. I guess this is what motherhood is all about – embracing both the joy and the bittersweet. I’m trying to really cherish every single moment and every version of who my child is, because they change so quickly, and each stage is precious.

For a look back at Hough and Erbert’s winning romance, keep reading.

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert first met in 2014 while performing together on a tour with Derek and his sister, Julianne Hough. A producer from Dancing With the Stars was impressed with Hayley, and she successfully auditioned to join the show’s dance troupe in 2015, as reported by the Hutchinson News. That same year, Hayley and Derek began dating.

They started attending events together, even appearing at the 2016 premiere of the Netflix documentary I Am Not Your Guru, featuring Tony Robbins.

The duo get glammed up for a star-studded night out.

I was so thrilled to see them finally make their first official public appearance as a couple! It happened at the Television Academy’s Choreography Peer Group Celebration back in 2017, and they looked amazing walking the red carpet at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood. It was a really special moment for me as a fan.

Hayley accompanied Derek to the Creative Arts Emmys, where he was up for an award for his choreography on Dancing With the Stars.

The two attend the star-studded Casamigos Halloween Party.

Hayley will be helping Derek host the annual Christmas tree lighting at The Americana at Brand mall in Glendale, California.

The two attend the Hollywood premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story.

The couple steps out at HBO’s post-Emmys celebration.

Stars didn’t slow down as they arrived at the premiere of Netflix’s El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.

The two pose for pics at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscar viewing party.

Feeling festive, they dance on the special to ring in the Christmas season.

The two are all smiles at the premiere in Los Angeles.

Derek was recognized with an Outstanding Choreography Emmy at the Creative Arts Emmys for his work on Dancing with the Stars.

The two dance as they arrive at the 2022 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party.

They look top tier on the red carpet.

Hayley flashes her engagement ring at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

The two get cozy at the launch of the Disney-Pixar film.

The couple honeymoon in Italy following their Aug. 26, 2023 wedding in California.

Hayley had emergency brain surgery after a blood vessel ruptured, and Derek was with her throughout it all. He shared on Instagram that the experience was terrifying, going from performing on stage to facing a sudden crisis. He described her recovery as remarkable, calling it a miracle.

Hayley and Derek were able to restart their Symphony of Dance tour in April 2024 after receiving medical approval. Then, in October, Hayley made a heartwarming return to the dance floor, performing an emotional routine with her husband to Benson Boone’s song, “Beautiful Things.”

The couple is thrilled to be expecting their first child! They shared the happy news on Instagram with a video of their baby’s sonogram, and Hayley wrote, “We can’t believe something so small could bring us so much joy.”

Derek and Hayley announced the birth of their daughter, Everley Capri Hough, on December 29, 2025. In a shared Instagram post, they expressed their joy, saying that their lives had been leading to this moment and that Everley had filled their hearts and changed their world forever.

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2026-06-08 19:17