Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Celebrate Love After Health Scare: A Year of Triumph!

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert found their perfect dance partner.

A year after Hayley underwent emergency skull surgery due to a cranial hematoma in the previous year, the newlywed couple, married in August 2023, looked back on their journey of highs and lows over the past twelve months.

In a unique interview at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 2025 Oscars viewing party on March 2, Derek shared with TopMob News, “It didn’t take long after our wedding for us to realize just how quickly we were putting our vows into action.” However, he continued, “Despite the trials and triumphs, it’s been an extraordinary year, full of beauty. We’re grateful for every moment, especially this joyous occasion.

Indeed, following a significant health issue in April 2024, Hayley gracefully stepped back onto the stage, teaming up with the Dancing With the Stars judge, for their Symphony of Dance tour, only a few months later.

She mentioned that they went on three tours together last year, which amounted to 110 shows across 80 different cities. Essentially, she said, in just a year and a half, we’ve lived a lifetime together, much like a full marriage. (Don’t forget to catch the 33rd annual Academy Awards viewing party tonight on TopMob News, airing at 11 p.m.)

Instead of keeping their professional and private lives distinct, Derek, aged 39, appreciates the fact that he and Hayley, 30, are involved in each other’s careers as well as personal matters.

He expressed that they had achieved a wonderful equilibrium, which they greatly appreciated. They felt incredibly lucky, and each day they found themselves filled with gratitude. There was simply so much to be thankful for.

Certainly, Hayley’s recovery was a challenging yet fulfilling episode, with the dancer rebuilding her vigor hand-in-hand with her spouse.

In the midst of all that unfolded, I exclaimed to the world, “My goodness, you’re putting those vows to the test quite swiftly, even through sickness and in health,” I shared with TopMob News last December. “Our love has only grown more profound, becoming stronger and more vibrant. To put it into perspective, a year in our relationship is equivalent to fifteen years in Hollywood time, so we’re thriving.

Overcoming tough hurdles while helping Hayley recover allowed the couple to reassess their viewpoints and focus on what truly matters.

Last year was simply astonishing, Derek noted. Looking back, it’s hard to believe where we were only a year before – it truly brings forth moments of contemplation and appreciation for the value and splendor of existence itself.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but feel engrossed, for this realm we inhabit is nothing short of bewildering. It seems like everywhere you look, there’s chaos and negativity lurking around every corner. But here’s the silver lining: the dark side is always present, yet so is the light. The good, the wonderful, it’s out there too, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to seek it.

Stepping into an exhilarating phase of life, I invite you to follow along as Hayley and Derek gracefully move amidst the glitz and glamour, attending the star-studded soirees that follow the prestigious Oscars ceremony.

-Reporting by Paul Costabile