Derek Hough Shares His 'Immense Relief' And 'Overwhelming Joy' In Update About Wife Hayley Erbert's Skull Surgery

A screenshot of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert smiling into the camera on their YouTube channel.
(Image credit: Derek & Hayley X Dayley Life YouTube Channel)

Derek Hough would normally be making news following a new season of Dancing with the Stars for his work as pro dancer-turned-judge, but that's not the case this year due to wife Hayley Erbert's recent medical emergency. In early December, just months after the two got married, Erbert was hospitalized for a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel following a tour performance with her husband. Now, in the wake of her most recent skull surgery, Hough has shared a positive update on his wife's condition.

Hayley Erbert underwent an emergency craniectomy earlier this month, which is a type of surgery that removes a portion of the skull. She and her husband received an outpouring of well-wishes from supporters, including a number of Dancing with the Stars alums. Now, not long after Hough opened up about his wife's recovery and upcoming surgery, Erbert underwent a cranioplasty, which is a procedure to repair the skull. Her husband took to Instagram to share a message and an update:

With immense relief, gratitude and overwhelming joy I’d like to share that Hayley’s cranioplasty surgery has been successfully completed as planned.

Derek Hough went on to express his "sincere appreciation" to the "exceptional medical team," specifically naming a Dr. Mai who performed the cranioplasty as well as Hayley Erbert's initial emergency surgery. He also shared that he and his wife are "profoundly touched by the outpouring of support and prayers" that they've received, saying that the support has been a "source of strength and comfort for us during this challenging time." Among those openly showing support was Dancing with the Stars host Alfonso Ribeiro, who urged others to "put love in your heart." Hough continued:

This surgery marks a significant milestone in my wife’s recovery journey, and your support has played a crucial role in getting us here. We are filled with hope and optimism for the future, knowing she is on the path to a full recovery, surrounded by such a loving community.

Hough shared a photo of him at his wife's bedside along with the message, and it's a touching image that conveys what they're going through without actually showing her in her state of recovery. Take a look, and read his full message:

Just as Hough and Erbert received support in all the earlier updates on her condition, plenty of people had messages for them in the comment section of his latest post. Kenny Ortega, legendary choreographer and one-time DWTS guest judge, wrote:

We share in your joy for the answered prayers for your beloved Haley! Our prayers continue for her full recovery and return to all she enjoys. May God bless you both, and your families this holiday and throughout the new year.❤️🙏🏼

Hayley Erbert is also part of the Dancing with the Stars family after performing as a member of the dance troupe, and plenty of celebs and pros from DWTS had messages for her and Derek Hough as well. Violinist Lindsey Stirling, who competed in Season 25 and earned second place, wrote:

So grateful. ❤️Love you both so so much and many more prayers are still being sent your way.

Pro dancer Peta Murgatroyd, who performed in the recent Season 32 alongside Brady Bunch veteran Barry Williams, also had lots of love for the couple in their difficult time:

Sending all our love to her and you Derek ❤️

Rylee Arnold, who made her DWTS pro debut in Season 32 after following in the footsteps of older sister Lindsay Arnold, had some lovely words and emojis for Hough and Erbert:

Sending all my love and prayers ❤️❤️❤️

Chrishell Stause, who made a splash a DWTS celebrity dancer in Season 29, showed her love for the couple, along with a hope that Hayley Erbert is on the road to recovery:

🙏🏼♥️♥️hope she is back home soon

Jenna Johnson, who performed with supermodel Tyson Beckford in Season 32 opposite husband Val Chmerkovskiy with eventual winner Xochitl Gomez, had a touching message of her own:

Sooooooo grateful!!! Sending all the love, prayers and healing energy to her ♥️

Sasha Farber had a solid run in DWTS Season 32 as partner to actress Alyson Hannigan, and didn't need any words to express his support for Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert. He posted:

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Longtime pro dancer Lindsay Arnold, who contributed to DWTS Season 32 as a mentor to younger sister Rylee, also used emojis to express her support for Hough and Erbert:

🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

We can only hope that the positive updates continue from Derek Hough as Hayley Erbert continues recovery from her medical emergency. Whatever the future holds for them, it's clear that they have plenty of support from friends, fans, and fellow celebrities. 

Laura Hurley
Senior Content Producer

Laura turned a lifelong love of television into a valid reason to write and think about TV on a daily basis. She's not a doctor, lawyer, or detective, but watches a lot of them in primetime. CinemaBlend's resident expert and interviewer for One Chicago, the galaxy far, far away, and a variety of other primetime television. Will not time travel and can cite multiple TV shows to explain why. She does, however, want to believe that she can sneak references to The X-Files into daily conversation (and author bios).