Derek Hough's wife Hayley Erbert returns to Dancing With the Stars

Dancing with the stars Judge Derek Hough shared an emotional moment with his wife and ex DWTS Member of the troopHayley Erbert as she returned to the stage after undergoing emergency brain surgery last year. During the Oct. 15 episode of “Dedication,” she danced with her husband to a breathtaking orchestral performance of Benson Boone's “Beautiful Things,” marking her first public appearance since her recovery.

Eric McCandless//ABC

“Last night was such a powerful, full-circle moment for us. To be back in the ballroom and perform together again. Feels like an absolute miracle. There were moments when it seemed impossible that we would ever return to this place,” Derek wrote on Instagram alongside a video of their performance the following day. He then thanked her family and the medical professionals who saved Hayley's life and played “a huge role” in her recovery.

“Last night was just the beginning of telling our story and we can’t wait to take you on the rest of this journey. We love you all so much and are just overwhelmed with gratitude,” he concluded his statement on their shared Instagram post. Watch her full performance below (and seriously, grab your tissues):

Fans showed their support for the couple in their comments section, with one writing: “This absolutely ruined me from the start of the package to the end of the dance. Her strength is nothing short of inspiring. 🥺❤️.” Contestant Jenn Tran added, “What a gift it was to watch and hear about the unwavering love you have for each other was so special❤️🥹.”

In December 2023, during her Symphony of Dance tour stop in Washington DC, Hayley was hospitalized for a form of brain hemorrhage called a cranial hematoma. She recovered as she had to learn to walk again and wear a helmet to protect her skull. Derek revealed that doctors at the time said it was unlikely she would survive and “even if she does, she won't be the same person.”

He also shared the relief he felt when she woke up from her life-changing surgery. “She asks, ‘What happened? Weren't we just dancing?' I can't even say it, I just knew she was there, the relief I felt. She was my wife.

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