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Derek Hough & Hayley Hough Return to Stage Where She Nearly Died One Year Later
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert are dancing through life together.
One year after Hayley suffered a cranial hematoma in December 2023 that resulted in multiple skull surgeries and her nearly losing her life, Derek reflected on their "remarkable" last 12 months together.
"When everything happened, I said, 'Wow, honey, you're putting those vows to the test really fast, through sickness and in a health,'" Derek exclusively told E! News Dec. 11. "Our love has just deepened, and it's gotten stronger and better. One year, I mean, that's 15 years in Hollywood years, so we're doing great."
The Dancing With the Stars judge added, "She's been amazing and, and I think our one-year anniversary was a really beautiful moment to look back and think, 'Wow, look what we've done in a year. What are we going to do for the rest of our lives?' It's exciting."
One of the keys for the couple—who started dating in 2015 and tied the knot in August 2023—over the past year has simply been to maintain perspective and focus on the positive things in life.
"This past year has been unbelievable," Derek, 39, reflected. "[With Hayley's] health challenges, [it's] really unfathomable where we were just a year ago—it just makes you reflect and take stock of how important life is and how beautiful it is."
Indeed, Derek noted that he and Hayley are focusing their energy on the good things in life.
"It's really easy to get wrapped up," he continued. "The world is such this crazy place, but the truth is, what's bad is always available, but so is what's good."
Disney/Eric McCandless
And for This Is Me...Now star, seeing his wife—who recently returned to the stage where she had her health scare one year ago—appreciate all of the beautiful things that the world has to offer amid her health challenges has been inspiring.
"Seeing Hayley naturally just focusing on the beauty of, you know, a tree, a flower, [our dog] Luna," Derek explained. "It's beautiful and it's a reminder that we all have that ability to sort of just change our focus and look at the good that's always available at any given time."
And the couple has a lot of beautiful possibilities to look forward to into 2025, with the former DWTS pro revealing they're hopes for children.
"We would definitely love to start a family, for sure," Derek shared. "We'll see what happens, but that's definitely the next step. I mean, I'm 40 years old in May, so I'm like, 'Okay, I gotta get on this. We've got to do this.'"
Araya Doheny/WireImage
For now, though, the couple has Luna, who has been traveling the country with them on a tour bus for Derek's Dance for The Holidays Tour.
"She loves it," he said of their canine companion. "She loves traveling with us, but it's really important for us to find that consistency."
One way Derek and Hayley are attempting to find consistency? They’ve opted to serve their pooch GREENIES™ Smart Essentials dog food amid traveling.
"She loved it," Derek, who is currently partnering with the brand, said. "She took to it, she did a tail wagging and the whole thing, so it worked out really well because obviously traveling with dry food is so much easier and more convenient. It's been great."
Keep reading for more on Derek and Hayley's life together.
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."
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