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Derek and Hayley Hough Make Emotional Return to the Dance Floor
In a heartwarming episode of “Dancing with the Stars,” Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert took to the stage together for the first time since Hayley faced serious health challenges, including a medical emergency and multiple surgeries.
Back in December 2023, Hayley encountered a cranial hematoma due to a burst blood vessel, necessitating an emergency craniotomy and cranioplasty. This difficult period has since become a significant journey of recovery for both her and Derek.
Following their performance, the couple shared their experiences in an interview with “Extra.” Derek remarked on the special significance of the night, stating, “Tonight was such a special night. It was the beginning of sharing the full story of her recovery. We revealed a little bit more of what happened, but there is still so much left to tell, and we can’t wait to share the rest of the story of her journey, which has been nothing short of a miracle.”
Hayley expressed her gratitude for returning to the dance floor. She noted, “Tonight was an extremely emotional night because I haven’t seen a lot of that footage in a very long time. For me, it has just been about the recovery process and making progress every single day. I just got flooded with a lot of emotions again, but it’s so beautiful to be back here dancing. I’m so grateful to be able to be dancing here again.”
The impact of her story has resonated with many, inspiring others who have faced similar challenges. Hayley reflected on the responses she has received: “That has been the most beautiful part about all this. Even just sharing the small bits of my story that we have, I’ve had so many people reach out to me saying, ‘The same exact thing happened to me,’ or, ‘I love how you’ve sported your shaved head, and it’s inspiring me to keep my wig off.’”
Derek chimed in, highlighting the reciprocal nature of their experience: “And in return, they have inspired us hearing their stories. It’s also a reminder, too, that whatever you’re going through, it may feel overwhelming, but listening to others helps us realize that everyone has their own struggles. It connects us all in a beautiful way during difficult times.”
Derek Hough’s Praise for Hayley’s Strength
Derek did not hold back in his admiration for Hayley, stating, “This woman has just been a huge inspiration to me. I would be a mess… and she would be smiling with half of her skull missing. I just couldn’t believe that we’re here. It’s really special.”
He noted that her determination was a driving force throughout her recovery process. “She knew she was gonna be out here, even when the doctors didn’t know. I could see that spark in her, and it helped me every day to feel there was a future and hope,” he shared.
The experience has strengthened their relationship, with Hayley emphasizing their growth together: “We are so much stronger because of it. It was really beautiful to watch him step into a nurturing role, especially three months after our wedding… it has made us so much stronger, and I love him even more.”
Looking Ahead: The Dance for the Holidays Tour
As they prepare for their upcoming Dance for the Holidays tour, Derek is excited to share more of their journey. He teased, “It is the season of miracles, the season of thanks and gratitude, and we have so much of that to give to this audience. The music is epic, and the choreography is some of the most intricate and fantastic I think I’ve ever had in a show. Most importantly, we’re doing it together… and we can’t wait to share with everybody.”
Viewers can catch “Dancing with the Stars” every Tuesday on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.
Source
extratv.com