Derek Hough Opens Up About Julianne's Support During Wifes Health Scare
The Hough family sticks together. Derek Hough recently revealed all how his family supported him and his wife, Hayley Erbert, during her recent health crisis, including his sister Julianne Hough, who moved across the country to be with them.
The Dancing With the Stars judge told People in March 2024 that his family has been “incredible” in the months since Erbert was taken to the hospital for an emergency craniectomy. Hough and Erbert were at the Washington, D.C. stop of their Symphony of Dance tour when Erbert “became disorientated and was taken to the hospital,” as Hough revealed on Instagram on Dec. 7, 2023.
She was eventually diagnosed with a cranial hematoma — when blood collects in the skull — from a burst blood vessel. A few weeks later, she underwent a second surgery, which went successfully and marked a significant milestone in the dancer’s recovery.
Hough told the magazine that his parents and siblings, which include Sharee, Marabeth, Katherine, and Julianne, were on a “rotation” of sorts as they cared for Erbert and Hough himself in the days that followed the surgery in December.
He continued, “They would come in three days and then the next siblings would come in for the next three days, and then the next siblings,” he recalled. “My dad showing up the day it all happened, flying from Utah. They really showed up in a really beautiful way.”
Derek added that Julianne, who re-joined DWTS as a co-host last season, was particularly helpful to the couple during the difficult time. He noted that she flew to Washington, D.C., and stayed for “two weeks” to help. “It was just amazing,” Derek added.
Erbert’s family was also there during the difficult time, as well as their close family and friends. The couple also received an outpour of support from the public. “The thing that really makes us — and really her — the most emotional about all of this is just the love that she felt from not just family and friends, but just from everyone. It’s a really beautiful feeling and we’re just really thankful for that,” he continued.
Derek and Erbert tied the knot just months before in August 2023. They wed in Monterey County, California, in front of 106 guests surrounded by trees and plants. “We’re in a redwood forest, but we got married right in front of this mother tree that’s surrounded by all these smaller trees,” Erbert told People at the time. “They drop all the seeds, and it plants kind of like an army of children to protect the mother. The symbolism of it was beautiful. We’re here, planting our seeds to grow our family.”
Hough recently paid tribute to his wife on the stage of the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. While accepting his Emmy, he dedicated the win to Erbert. “Exactly a month ago I was in the hospital. this is a different moment,” Derek said tearfully. “A life-changing moment reminded me to really savor each every moment.” He continued: “I want to dedicate this to my beautiful wife … I just flew in from Washington, D.C., last night. Your strength and your courage this whole month has been unbelievable. You inspired me every day.”
Following the ceremony, Hough celebrated his win with a lengthy tribute on Instagram and gave Erbert another shout-out, writing: “To my wife, @hayley.erbert this one’s for you. The center piece and muse of this dance. This journey, these moments, they are all the more precious because of what we’ve endured together.”
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