Celebrity (usartical)
Derek Hough, the 38-year-old judge from Dancing with the Stars, opened up about his remarkable January Creative Arts Emmy Award win on The Jennifer Hudson Show. This momentous achievement came amidst the challenging period of his wife Hayley Erbert’s recovery from brain surgery.
In a heartfelt conversation on the show, Hough shared, “It was kind of crazy too because it was such a difficult time in December, to then be on stage accepting such a prestigious award in choreography, it was crazy.” He described the experience of being in a hospital room for a month and then accepting the award in front of thousands as a “wild, surreal experience,” emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster they endured. 
Hough dedicated the Creative Arts Emmy, awarded for outstanding choreography for entertainment or reality programs for his work on Dancing with the Stars, to his wife. His moving acceptance statement in December echoed the significance of cherishing every moment, especially after Erbert’s craniectomy.
Erbert underwent an “emergency craniectomy” on December 7, 2023, due to a cerebral hematoma, and later had a procedure to replace a portion of her skull. Despite the challenges, Hough updated Jennifer Hudson on Erbert’s remarkable recovery, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support they received.
“I just have to say thank you for everyone who has been so supportive and so loving.