Derek Hough, the 38-year-old Dancing with the Stars judge, recently shared his reflections on his 'surreal' Emmy win during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Hough described the experience of receiving a Creative Arts Emmy Award in January as 'crazy,' especially considering the challenging time his wife, Hayley Erbert, was going through recovering from brain surgery.
Despite the difficulties, Hough expressed gratitude for the prestigious award in choreography he received for Dancing with the Stars. He highlighted the contrast between being in a hospital room for a month and then standing on stage accepting the award in front of thousands of people, calling it a 'wild, kind of surreal experience.'
During his emotional acceptance speech, Hough dedicated the award to his wife, acknowledging her strength and courage throughout her recovery. Erbert underwent an emergency craniectomy in December after suffering a cranial hematoma while on tour with Hough. She later had a second surgery to replace a large portion of her skull.
Despite the challenges, Hough provided an update on Erbert's recovery progress, describing her as 'miraculous.' He expressed gratitude for the support and love they have received during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment.
The couple, who got married in August 2023, recently enjoyed a Valentine's Day outing together, with Erbert surprising Hough with a day date adventure focused on intention, gratitude, and spending quality time together. The video shared on Instagram showcased their day out, including breakfast, a walk in the park, shopping, and dinner.
As Erbert continues her recovery journey, the couple remains grateful for the support they have received from fans and well-wishers. Hough's Emmy win and Erbert's ongoing progress serve as reminders of the strength and resilience they have shown in the face of adversity.
