Derek Hough And Hayley Erbert: A Love Story That Danced Through Challenges

Let’s talk about love, and not just any kind of love—this is the real deal. Derek Hough, the charismatic judge on "Dancing with the Stars," and his wife, Hayley Erbert, have built a relationship that’s as strong as it is beautiful. They’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and danced their way through life together. Hayley, who’s no stranger to the world of dance herself, has become Derek’s rock, and their bond only grows stronger with every passing day.

When Dance Brought Them Together

Hayley Erbert, a talented dancer and alum of "So You Think You Can Dance," first crossed paths with Derek and his sister Julianne Hough during Julianne’s Move Live Tour in 2014. This wasn’t just a casual meeting—it was the start of something magical. Fast forward to the next year, and Derek and Hayley were officially dating. What began as a professional connection quickly blossomed into a deep and meaningful relationship.

Now, here’s the thing: both Derek and Julianne have been deeply involved with "Dancing with the Stars" over the years, each in their own unique ways. Meanwhile, Hayley was a valued member of the troupe for multiple seasons. So, you could say their paths were destined to cross on the dance floor. And boy, did they make the most of it!

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In January 2022, Derek and Hayley took their relationship to the next level by announcing their engagement via Instagram. It wasn’t long before Derek opened up about the magical proposal. “I just love calling her my fiancée,” he told Us Weekly in June 2022. “That word feels so right because it matches how I feel, my commitment to her, and the love we share. Hayley is truly The One.”

And if that wasn’t enough to melt your heart, he added, “I know she’s going to be an incredible mother and the best wife. She’s so thoughtful, caring, and loving. Just seeing how she treats our animals makes me confident she’ll bring the same warmth and affection to our future kids. I can’t wait to see her become a mom.”

The Big Day: A Celebration of Love

On August 2023, Derek and Hayley tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony held in Monterey County, California. Surrounded by 106 guests, including many familiar faces from "Dancing with the Stars," the couple celebrated their union with joy and laughter. It was more than just a wedding—it was a testament to their love and commitment.

After the nuptials, Hayley spoke to People magazine, sharing her heartfelt thoughts. “We went to Disney a few weeks ago, and we saw this adorable elderly couple swing dancing. There was a band playing, and it was just so sweet,” she recalled. “That’s what I look forward to—dancing together until the end of time and loving each other until the end of time.”

When Life Threw Them a Curveball

In December 2023, Derek shared some sobering news on Instagram. During their Symphony of Dance tour in Washington, D.C., Hayley experienced a medical emergency. “At the end of last night’s performance, my wife Hayley became disoriented and was rushed to the hospital,” he explained in a statement. “She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma caused by a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy. Thankfully, she’s now in stable condition.”

“I want to thank the first responders and medical staff who have taken such good care of her. During this challenging time, I ask for your prayers and positivity,” Derek added. Days later, he provided another update, noting that Hayley was “on the long road to recovery.” That same month, she underwent crucial skull surgery.

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“With immense relief, gratitude, and overwhelming joy, I’m thrilled to announce that Hayley’s cranioplasty surgery has been successfully completed as planned,” Derek shared on Instagram.

By April 2024, Hayley made a triumphant return to the stage during an emotional night of the Symphony of Dance tour in Florida. “To this day, I still have good days and bad days—both emotionally and physically—but I’m getting better every single day,” she said. “There’s so much progress, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”

And their love story continues to flourish! In August 2024, they celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary. “One year of being married to the most beautiful person I know,” Derek wrote on Instagram. “This year has been a whirlwind, filled with unexpected challenges but overflowing with even more love, support, and triumphs. We’ve experienced the highest highs and faced the lowest lows, but I’ve never been more certain that committing to you was the best decision of my life. Here’s to many more years of chaotic beauty. I’m so excited for all the chapters we have yet to write. I love you always and forever.”