The Unexpected Journey: 7 Shocking Facts About Derek Hough's Wife, Hayley Erbert, From DWTS To Their Miracle Baby

Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are one of the most celebrated and resilient power couples in the world of professional dance, captivating fans with their stunning performances and deeply personal love story. As of today, December 10, 2025, the couple is on the cusp of a major new chapter, preparing to welcome their first child—a "miracle baby"—following a year marked by both immense joy and a terrifying, life-threatening health scare that tested their vows to the absolute limit. Their journey from a quiet, behind-the-scenes romance on *Dancing with the Stars* to a dramatic, public testament of love and survival has cemented their status as a true Hollywood love story.

The spotlight on Hayley Erbert has never been brighter, not just as the wife of the six-time Mirrorball champion and *DWTS* judge, but as an incredible dancer and a woman who has demonstrated extraordinary strength. Her recent challenges, including an emergency brain surgery, have only added layers of depth to her public profile, making her story compelling, inspiring, and a testament to the power of partnership.

Hayley Erbert: Full Biography and Career Profile

Hayley Erbert is a highly accomplished American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality, best known for her work on *Dancing with the Stars* and her extensive touring career.

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• Full Name: Hayley Erbert Hough
• Date of Birth: October 11, 1994
• Age: 31 (as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Topeka, Kansas, USA
• Zodiac Sign: Libra
• Spouse: Derek Hough (Married August 26, 2023)
• Children: Expecting their first child (due December 2025)
• Career Highlights:
  • Began her professional career as a contestant on *So You Think You Can Dance* (Season 10).
  • Became a professional troupe member on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) from Season 21 onwards.
  • Served as a main dancer on Derek Hough’s various national tours, including *Derek Hough Live: The Tour* and *Symphony of Dance*.
  • Has appeared in numerous live performances and television specials.

The Timeline of a Dance Floor Romance: From Colleagues to a Redwood Forest Wedding

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s relationship is a classic example of workplace romance, blossoming over years of shared passion for dance. Their bond was forged on the rigorous sets of *Dancing with the Stars* and strengthened through countless hours on the road touring together.

The DWTS Connection and Initial Secrecy (2014–2017)

The couple first met in 2014 when Hayley joined the cast of *Dancing with the Stars* as a troupe member. Their romance began shortly after, around 2015, though they initially chose to keep their relationship private and professional. Derek Hough later admitted that they intentionally kept their dating life a secret for a period to maintain their focus and professionalism in the highly competitive environment of *DWTS*. They made their relationship official to the public in 2017, stepping out as a confirmed couple after years of speculation from fans and media.

The Proposal and the "Epic" Wedding (2022–2023)

After seven years of dating, Derek proposed to Hayley in June 2022 at their home, which he had transformed into a magical, flower-filled sanctuary. The proposal was described as a beautiful, intimate moment, perfectly reflecting their private nature.

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The wedding took place on August 26, 2023, in a breathtaking ceremony deep within a Redwood Forest in California. The location was chosen for its natural, majestic beauty, providing a "regal" and timeless backdrop for their vows. The celebration was a two-part event, featuring a traditional ceremony followed by an "epic barn dance party" that showcased their love for performance and fun. The wedding was attended by close friends and family, including Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, who also served as a bridesmaid, highlighting the importance of family in their lives.

The Health Scare That Changed Everything: Emergency Surgery and Unwavering Support

The most dramatic and defining moment in their married life came just months after their wedding, highlighting the true depth of their commitment to each other.

The Emergency Craniectomy (Late 2023)

In December 2023, while on tour for their show, *Symphony of Dance*, Hayley Erbert suffered a sudden medical emergency. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent an emergency craniectomy—a life-saving surgery to remove a piece of her skull to relieve pressure on her brain—after she became disoriented during a performance. This critical procedure was necessary after she was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma, a severe blood clot in the brain.

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The Road to Recovery and the Cranioplasty

Derek Hough immediately halted the tour to be by his wife's side, providing constant updates to their concerned fans. His public display of unwavering support and love during this terrifying ordeal resonated deeply with people worldwide. Hayley's recovery required a second, follow-up surgery—a cranioplasty—to replace the removed portion of her skull. This period was a major test of their resilience, with Derek later admitting the experience gave him a "clean slate" and a renewed perspective on life and their relationship.

A Triumphant Return to the Stage

In a remarkable display of strength and determination, Hayley Erbert rejoined the *Symphony of Dance* tour in 2024, just four months after her emergency craniectomy. Her return was an emotional and joyous moment, symbolizing her complete recovery and her fierce dedication to her passion for dance. The couple’s decision to continue their professional lives together, even after such a traumatic event, underscored the deep, shared foundation of their careers and their marriage.

A Miracle Baby on the Way: The Latest Chapter in Their Love Story

As of late 2025, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert are preparing for the most exciting chapter yet: parenthood. Their pregnancy announcement was especially poignant, given the medical trauma Hayley had just overcome.

The July 2025 Pregnancy Announcement

The couple announced they were expecting their first child in July 2025 with a stunning, cinematic video shared on social media. The news was met with an outpouring of joy from fans and their *DWTS* family, who viewed the pregnancy as a true miracle following Hayley’s near-fatal health crisis. The pregnancy is widely seen as a symbol of hope and a powerful testament to their enduring love and Hayley’s incredible recovery.

Anticipation and Due Date

While the couple has chosen to keep some details private, such as the baby's gender and their chosen name, they have confirmed that the baby is due "any day now" in December 2025, making this a highly anticipated event. Derek Hough has shared heartfelt tributes to his pregnant wife, expressing his excitement and profound gratitude as they prepare for the arrival of "Baby Hough."

The upcoming birth marks the culmination of a whirlwind few years—from a dream wedding to a devastating health scare and now, the arrival of a new life. The story of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert is a modern fairy tale, proving that their partnership is built not just on the glamour of the dance floor, but on true strength, resilience, and an unbreakable love.