Hayley Erbert Feeling "Really Strong" 2 Years After Brain Surgery
Derek Hough & Hayley Hough Return to Stage Where She Nearly Died One Year Later
Hayley Erbert is dancing through motherhood with grace.
As the dancer and her husband Derek Hough embrace their latest chapter as first-time parents to baby Everley, she shared a glimpse into her health more than two years after undergoing emergency brain surgery.
"I'm doing great now," Erbert exclusively told E! News during the Symphony of Dance premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival June 7. "I feel really strong, really healthy. I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into this world five months ago, so I feel really, really amazing."
For the couple—who tied the knot in 2023 after eight years together—watching Everley waltz through her milestones has been more rewarding than any Mirrorball trophy.
"She's giggling, she's smiling, grabbing her toes, she's in happy baby position," Hough beamed to E! at the New York City premiere. "Every day is something different, something new. It's been incredible."
In fact, their venture to the Big Apple for the premiere of their documentary—which showed Erbert's December 2023 brain surgery and her journey back to performing—was an achievement in itself for Everley.
The Dancing With the Stars judge revealed, "Her first trip was flying here. She was amazing."
When it comes to shedding light on the highs and lows of parenthood, Erbert was more than happy to be vulnerable with her fans about her own experience.
"I always want to share things that I think people can relate to," the 31-year-old reflected. "I know a lot of mothers that I spoke to personally, they went through a similar journey. I just want to be able to share this and to let anybody feel a little less alone in this process."
"It was amazing, the responses that I got, truly," she added. "Everybody connected to it. It was so beautiful."
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
Indeed, earlier this year, Erbert shared the wide-ranging emotions she felt since giving birth.
"Motherhood is even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined," she wrote on Instagram in April. "It feels like living in two places at once. Where joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time. My heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces."
As she reflected on the beauty and reality of watching Everley grow, she included a reverent vow to their daughter.
"I find myself celebrating every little bit of your growth, while quietly grieving the version of you that existed just moments before," she added. "If this is the dichotomy of motherhood, then I'll try my best to meet it with open arms. Soaking in every little detail, every version of you."
For a look back at Hough and Erbert's winning romance, keep reading.
Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
October 2015: Hayley Joins Dancing With the Stars
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert meet back in 2014 when she performed on his and sister Julianne Hough's tour. A Dancing With the Stars producer is impressed with Hayley and she is called to interview to join the show's troupe, getting the job the following year, according to the Hutchington News. Also in 2015, she and Derek begin dating.
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tony Robbins
July 2016: Derek & Hayley Step Out
The two begin going out to public events, including at the 2016 premiere of the Tony Robbins Netflix documentary I Am Not Your Guru.
Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
September 2016: Creative Arts Emmys Governors Ball
The duo get glammed up for a star-studded night out.
David Livingston/Getty Images
August 2017: Red Carpet Debut
The dancers make their red carpet debut as a couple at the Television Academy's 2017 Choreography Peer Group Celebration at Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, Calif.
David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
September 2017: Emmys Date
Hayley joins Derek as his date for the Creative Arts Emmys, where he was nominated for Outstanding Choreography for his work on Dancing With the Stars.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Casamigos Tequila
October 2017: Happy Halloween
The two attend the star-studded Casamigos Halloween Party.
Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Caruso
November 2017: Christmas Tree Lighting
Hayley joins Derek as he hosts The Americana at Brand shopping mall's Christmas tree lighting event in Glendale, Calif.
Phillip Faraone/WireImage
May 2018: May the Force Be With You
The two attend the Hollywood premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
September 2018: Emmys After-Party Date
The couple steps out at HBO's post-Emmys celebration.
Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
October 2019: They Are the Ones Who Hug
They aren't pumping the brakes as they attend the premiere of Netflix's El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.
Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
February 2020: Oscars Party Date
The two pose for pics at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Oscar viewing party.
ABC via Getty Images
November 2020: Disney Holiday Singalong
Feeling festive, they dance on the special to ring in the Christmas season.
Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
August 2021: Respect Premiere
The two are all smiles at the premiere in Los Angeles.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
August 2021: Emmy Winner
The partners appear at the Creative Arts Emmys, where Derek wins Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming for his work on Dancing with the Stars.
Brian Feinzimer/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
March 2022: Oscars Party Dance
The two dance as they arrive at the 2022 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party.
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
May 2022: Top Gun: Maverick Premiere
They look top tier on the red carpet.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards
June 2022: Engaged
Hayley flashes her engagement ring at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
David Livingston/WireImage
June 2023: Elemental Premiere
The two get cozy at the launch of the Disney-Pixar film.
Instagram / Derek Hough
August 2023: Just Married and Honeymoon
The couple honeymoon in Italy following their Aug. 26, 2023 wedding in California.
December 2023: In Sickness and in Health
Derek was by Hayley's side as she underwent emergency skull surgery due to a burst blood vessel. "It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, going from living our dreams onstage, to a nightmare in an instant," he wrote on Instagram over a week later. "Her recovery process has been nothing short of a miracle."
Disney/Eric McCandless
October 2024: Road to Recovery
After being given medical clearance to get back to performing, Hayley and Derek resumed their Symphony of Dance tour in April 2024. In October, she made her triumphant return to the ballroom as she joined her husband for an emotional routine set to Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things."
Disney/Eric McCandless
July 2025: Baby on the Way
The couple announced they'd be welcoming a new addition to their family as they revealed they were expecting their first baby together. Alongside an Instagram video unveiling their unborn child's sonogram, Hayley wrote, "We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small."
December 2025: Welcoming Everley
Derek and Hayley welcomed their baby girl, Everley Capri Hough, on Dec. 29, 2025, writing in a joint Instagram post, "Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Wow
0
Sad
0
Angry
0
Comments (0)