A night of dedication on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ turns deeply personal
The October 15 episode of “Dancing With the Stars” was an emotional rollercoaster. Titled “Dedication Night,” the tears were always on the brink of falling, but nothing prepared the audience for the heartfelt moment shared by Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert.
Celebrating life and resilience
For the married duo, this performance was more than just a routine— it marked Hayley Erbert’s inspiring return to the ballroom after a life-threatening emergency craniectomy. The couple chose to perform to “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, a song that echoed their journey and resilience.
A life-altering moment
Three months after tying the knot in August 2023, Derek and Hayley’s lives took a dramatic turn while they were on their joint Symphony of Dance tour. In a pre-recorded segment that aired before their performance, Derek Hough, a DWTS judge, disclosed the traumatic events that transpired.
“I was on stage, and she’s supposed to come out. The stage manager walked out and just said, ‘Hey, she’s not coming on stage.’ She was on the side of the stage having full seizures and, essentially, dying. It’s really hard to even put into words other than just pure fear,” Derek recounted.
The fight of a lifetime
Hayley was quickly rushed to the hospital, where doctors identified a severe cranial hematoma. Derek revealed his sheer terror during the time, as doctors informed him that his wife had a severe brain bleed requiring immediate surgery.
“The doctor came to me and said, ‘She has a severe brain bleed, so we have to operate right now,'” Derek said, his voice quivering. “He said that she might not make it and that even if she does make it, she won’t be the same person. They told me, you basically lost the person that you knew… I just remember laying on the hospital floor just begging. I was like, please don’t go.”
The anguish grew as Hayley woke up the next morning, unrecognizable and missing 40% of her skull. Yet, even in such a dire state, she remembered their dance, a glimmer of hope for Derek. It was a sign that despite everything, she was still there with him.
A miraculous recovery
In their DWTS return, Derek and Hayley dedicated their performance to this journey of survival and comeback. As they took to the dance floor, the emotions were palpable. But their story didn’t just end with their performance on the ballroom floor.
Post-recovery, the couple shared another profound moment, this time in front of their doctors and nurses in Washington D.C., where Hayley danced again, showcasing the incredible journey of her recovery.
“Afterward, the doctors came up to us and said, ‘Hey Derek, this is a miracle.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, it is.’ He said, ‘No Derek, this is a miracle,” Derek shared with the audience. “He really felt the weight of just how remarkable this woman is, her determination and her spirit. You inspire me so much. She’s incredible.”
The indomitable human spirit
The return of Hayley Erbert to Dancing with the Stars is more than just an emotional high point; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and an inspiring story of love and dedication. Derek and Hayley’s journey from the brink of despair to the spotlight of the ballroom reminds us that miracles do happen, and strength is often found in the most harrowing circumstances.
For more updates and stories on your favorite shows, follow us on our channels and stay connected!