From dazzling dance floors to a romantic forest wedding, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s relationship is the real-life fairy tale fans have been rooting for.
If you’ve ever wondered who Derek Hough’s wife is, how they met, and what their married life looks like in 2025, this guide covers it all — from their first spark to their wedding day and beyond.
Quick Facts About Derek Hough and His Wife Hayley Erbert
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wife’s Name | Hayley Erbert |
| Marriage Date | August 26, 2023 |
| How They Met | Dancing with the Stars, 2014 |
| Profession of Wife | Dancer, Actress, Model |
| Relationship Length | Since 2015 (engaged 2022, married 2023) |
| Children | None (as of 2025) |
The Magical Beginning: How Derek Hough Met His Wife Hayley Erbert
From Dance Partners to Life Partners
Derek and Hayley first crossed paths on the set of Dancing with the Stars in 2014. At the time, Hayley was a member of the DWTS troupe, showcasing her incredible dance skills. Their shared passion for dance quickly led to a close friendship.
“It felt natural to connect with someone who understands the demands and joys of dancing,” Derek said in an interview with People Magazine.
By 2015, their friendship blossomed into romance. The couple kept their early relationship low-key, often choosing to stay out of the public eye while they got to know each other better.
Derek and Hayley’s Relationship
2015–2019: Growing Strong Together
- They traveled together frequently, from dance tours to vacations.
- Their social media posts began showing more personal moments.
- Fans noticed their chemistry on and off the dance floor.
2020: The Stage is Their Love Story
During Derek’s Las Vegas residency “No Limit”, Hayley joined him for performances that displayed their unmatched chemistry and synchronization. Critics and fans praised their partnership, not just as dancers but as a couple.
2022: The Romantic Proposal
In June 2022, Derek proposed to Hayley in a private ceremony. Sharing the news on Instagram, Derek wrote:
“The beginning of forever with my best friend.”
2023: A Dream Wedding in the Redwoods
The couple exchanged vows in a serene redwood forest in Monterey County, California. Surrounded by family, close friends, and towering trees, Derek and Hayley’s wedding was a beautiful blend of elegance and nature.
Derek and Hayley Wedding
Wedding Venue and Theme
The couple chose the natural beauty of a redwood forest to symbolize strength and longevity — just like their relationship.
Wedding Attire
- Hayley stunned in a custom Marchesa gown featuring floral lace and a flowing veil.
- Derek looked sharp in a classic Tom Ford tuxedo.
Special Moments
- Live music by close friends.
- Intimate, heartfelt vows.
- A candlelit reception under the stars.
- Dance performances by the couple and their friends.
Image: Derek and Hayley at their wedding ceremony. Photo credit: Getty Images.
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Married Life
Life at Home
They currently live in Los Angeles with their cat, Palo, and enjoy a peaceful, nature-inspired lifestyle.
Shared Career Projects
Together, they work on creative projects under Hough & Co., blending dance, storytelling, and production.
Plans for the Future
While they don’t have children yet, both have expressed interest in starting a family when the time is right.
Derek and Hayley on Social Media: Sharing Their Journey
You can follow their love and work on:
They regularly share glimpses into their relationship, from dance rehearsals to personal moments.
Why Fans Adore Derek and Hayley’s Relationship
- Longevity: Nearly a decade of love and counting.
- Real Connection: Their chemistry is evident both on stage and off.
- Mutual Respect: They support each other’s careers and passions.
- Privacy & Balance: They keep their relationship grounded despite fame.
Derek Hough’s Wife Health, Surgery & Recovery (2025)
In late 2023, fans of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert were shocked and concerned when news broke about a serious medical emergency involving Hayley. She had to undergo emergency brain surgery, and the story made headlines around the world. Here’s everything you need to know about what happened to Derek Hough’s wife, her health journey, and how she’s doing now.
Derek Hough Wife Accident
On December 6, 2023, during their “Symphony of Dance” tour, Hayley experienced disorientation and severe symptoms backstage shortly after a performance in Washington, D.C. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors determined she had a cranial hematoma caused by a burst blood vessel.
The incident was not caused by a fall or visible accident but was a spontaneous medical emergency—a serious and rare internal injury that required immediate intervention.
Derek Hough Wife Brain Surgery
Doctors performed an emergency craniectomy, which is a procedure to relieve pressure on the brain. It involves removing part of the skull to allow the brain to swell without causing further damage.
Hayley underwent the surgery within hours of being admitted. Derek remained by her side the entire time and later shared updates with fans, expressing gratitude for the medical team and fans’ prayers.
Derek Hough Wife Illness
Before the brain bleed, Hayley had no known underlying illness that would have predicted such a serious event. She had always appeared to be in excellent physical shape, given her dancing background and active lifestyle.
Doctors have not publicly linked her medical emergency to any long-term illness, and neither Derek nor Hayley has confirmed any chronic condition. It was described as a “spontaneous cranial bleed”, which can happen even in healthy individuals.
Derek Hough Wife Emergency Surgery Recovery Update
After weeks in the ICU and specialized neurological care, Hayley was released from the hospital in early January 2024. She continued her recovery at home, surrounded by family, pets, and Derek.
By mid-2024, Hayley had started sharing gentle movement routines on social media and offering words of encouragement to others facing health struggles. Her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.
In a video posted in March 2024, she said:
“I’m grateful to be here. It changed my perspective completely. Healing is hard, but I’m taking it day by day with hope.”
Derek Hough Wife Injury: Is She Back to Dancing?
As of 2025, Hayley is not back to full-scale performances, but she has returned to choreographing, creative directing, and slowly rebuilding her strength.
Derek mentioned in an interview that they still dance together—privately at home and in gentle movements—but they are respecting her healing process and allowing her time before returning to demanding performances.
She has been working on a dance-based recovery initiative, sharing how movement, even when limited, can be part of emotional healing.
Derek Hough Wife Cancer: Was It Cancer?
No. There is no indication that Hayley Erbert’s condition was cancer-related. The brain bleed was a sudden, isolated incident and has not been linked to any cancer diagnosis.
Misinformation about this circulated on social media, but Derek and Hayley have clarified in official statements and interviews that there was no cancer involved.
How Old Is Derek Hough’s Wife?
Hayley Erbert was born on October 11, 1994, which makes her 30 years old as of 2025. She is approximately 10 years younger than Derek Hough, who was born in May 1985.
Derek Hough Wife and Kids: Do They Have Children?
As mentioned earlier, Derek and Hayley do not have children yet. They’ve expressed interest in starting a family in the future, but after Hayley’s medical emergency, their focus shifted to healing and health.
In interviews, Derek emphasized the importance of “one day at a time,” adding:
“Right now, her recovery is the priority. Kids will come when the time is right.”
DWTS Derek Hough Wife: Is She Still Involved?
Hayley has stepped back from live performances on Dancing with the Stars following her surgery. However, she remains connected to the DWTS family and occasionally appears behind the scenes or as a guest at events.
She’s still closely involved with Derek’s creative work and occasionally contributes to dance concepts and choreography.
Dancing with the Stars Derek Hough Wife Health Update (2025)
In a May 2025 health update, Derek shared that Hayley is “doing incredibly well” and continues to make steady progress. She’s regaining energy, rebuilding her stamina, and planning a documentary-style vlog series to share her recovery story and inspire others facing medical crises.
Fans continue to show unwavering support across platforms, and both Derek and Hayley have thanked the community for “lifting them during the darkest time of their lives.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert get married?
They tied the knot on August 26, 2023.
Who is Derek Hough’s wife?
Her name is Hayley Erbert, a professional dancer and actress.
How long have they been together?
They have been dating since 2015 and engaged in 2022.
Do they have children?
No, they currently do not have children but are open to it in the future.
Where was their wedding held?
In a scenic redwood forest in Monterey County, California.
Final Thoughts: A Love Built to Last
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s story is a beautiful example of how shared passion, respect, and genuine love can create a lifelong bond. Whether performing together or enjoying quiet moments at home, their relationship is one that inspires many.
What do you think of Derek and Hayley’s journey? Drop your thoughts below or share this post with fellow dance fans!
