Julianne Hough Shares First Photo With Derek Since ‘Nightmare’ News: ‘Holding My Family Tight’
The Hough siblings are back together, and they’re keeping each other close this Christmas. Julianne Hough shared her first photo with Derek after his wife Hayley Erbert’s surgery
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Hayley underwent surgery on December 20, 2023, to replace a portion of her skull. Hayley, who married Derek in 2023 and is a former troupe member on Dancing With the Stars, had to have a portion of her skull replaced after she underwent an emergency surgery in early December 2023 to save her life following a cranial hematoma, a condition collection of blood within the skulls usually caused by a burst blood vessel in the brain.
“At the end of last night’s tour performance in Washington D.C., my wife Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital,” Derek wrote in an Instagram post at the time. “She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy. She is in stable condition.” He continued, “I want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have cared for and continue to care for her. I ask for your prayers and positivity during this time.”
Derek confirmed in another Instagram post on December 21, 2023, that Hayley’s surgery to replace a part of her skull went successfully. “With immense relief, gratitude and overwhelming joy I’d like to share that Hayley’s cranioplasty surgery has been successfully completed as planned,” he wrote. “My sincere appreciation goes to the exceptional medical team. Their expertise and steady hands were pivotal in this journey, ensuring a smooth and successful surgery. Especially Dr. Mai who not only performed the surgery but was also the one who saved her life 2 weeks ago.”
He continued, “We are profoundly touched by the outpouring of support and prayers from each of you. Your thoughts, prayers, and positive energy have been a source of strength and comfort for us during this challenging time. It’s truly heartwarming to know how much love and care surrounds us. This surgery marks a significant milestone in my wife’s recovery journey, and your support has played a crucial role in getting us here.”
A day after Derek’s post, Julianne shared her own Instagram post of her with her brother for the holidays. The post included a photo of Julianne hugging Derek as he held a mug. “Holding my family extra tight this holiday season ❤️,” she captioned the post. The post also included a photo of Julianne hugging Hayley as they were both dressed in pajamas.
Many Dancing With the Stars fans commented on Julianne’s post about how emotional they got seeing her reunited with Derek and Hayley following Hayley’s surgery and medical emergency. “Omg, I just started crying when I saw the Hayley photo. I’ve been praying everyday. Hope she’s doing alright,” a user commented. Another wrote, “burst into tears when I saw Haley. She is so loved by so many. Praying for healing every day!!! 🙏🏻🩷.”
One more commented, “Please tell Derek I said a prayer for Haley … not just yesterday but always for her continued healing 🙏❤️.”
After Hayley’s cranial hematoma, Julianne asked Dancing With the Stars fans to send their prayers to Derek and Hayley. “Please pray and send all your love, healing and light to Hayley and Derek 🙏,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “Thank you from the depths of our families hearts!❤️.” In a second Instagram Story, Julianne wrote, “So humbled by the generosity, kindness and care shown to our families!”
Julianne is a co-host on Dancing With the Stars, along with actor and Season 19 winner Alfonso Ribeiro. She was a pro on the series from Seasons 4 to 8. She was also judge from 2014 to 2017.
For more on Dancing With the Stars, check out our gallery on the DWTS‘ judges’ real-life partners.
