Derek Hough dubs wife Hayley Erbert 'miracle' for her strength after surgery

Derek Hough expresses his admiration for 29-year-old wife Hayley Erbert after her recent craniectomy, calling her “a miracle.”

During an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Los Angeles premiere of This Is Me... Now: A Love Story, Derek shared his pride in Hayley’s recovery journey."

The 38-year-old choreographer said, "She's unbelievable. When I married her, I knew she was strong, but I really didn't realize how strong she really was until now."

He continued, "I'm just, I really am in awe of her everyday, she's incredible. She really is a miracle and I don't really throw that word around lightly, but she really is."

Derek also spoke about the emergency surgery Hayley underwent after suffering a cranial hematoma during their dance tour in December, 2023.

He explained. "It's been a crazy time, but I tell you what, it's been an amazing and beautiful time, because all the little wins, the triumphs, it's just incredible. She's amazing," he added.

Despite the challenges, The Dancing with the Stars judge regularly updated fans on Hayley's progress with Instagram posts.

Earlier this month, the couple shared a heartfelt video in which they talked about her experience and recovery.

Hough said in the video, "It’s been wild … But I have to say, throughout this experience this woman has been unbelievable and her perseverance and her acceptance of the whole situation, her strength, it’s been remarkable to witness firsthand."

He also told, "She really is a miracle and it’s been miraculous and it’s still a journey."

Hayley also shared, "To this day, I still have really good days and I have really bad days emotionally and physically sometimes but I’m doing so much better every single day."

She added, "Truly there is so much progress every day and I’m so grateful for that."