'She's unbelievable': 'DWTS' star Derek Hough calls wife Hayley Erbert a 'miracle' following craniectomy

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Derek Hough expressed admiration for his wife Hayley Erbert's resilience after her recent craniectomy.

At the Los Angeles premiere of 'This Is Me...Now: A Love Story' in which the 'Dancing with the Stars' judge stars opposite Jennifer Lopez, the 38-year-old said he is in "awe" of his 29-year-old wife Erbert who suffered a major health scare, according to People.

Derek Hough says he did not realize 'how strong' his wife Hayley Erbert was until her surgery

Speaking to ET about his wife's strength as she is on her recovery journey, Hough said, "She's unbelievable. When I married her, I knew she was strong, but I really didn't realize how strong she really was until now."

"I'm just, I really am in awe of her everyday. She's incredible. She really is a miracle and I don't really throw that word around lightly, but she really is," he added.

What happened to Hayley Erbert?

During the pair's Symphony of Dance tour stop in Washington, DC, Erbert suffered a cranial hematoma, a collection of blood cells within the skull, and underwent an "emergency craniectomy" on December 7, 2023.

On December 20, 2023, she underwent further surgery to "replace a large portion of her skull" that was removed during the craniectomy.

Explaining how his wife faced her health struggles, Hough said, "It's been a crazy time, but I tell you what, it's been an amazing and beautiful time, because all the little wins, the triumphs, it's just incredible. She's amazing."

Her emergency surgery took place just three months after she tied the knot with Hough in August 2023.

Posting regular updates about her recovery following her craniectomy, Hough thanked their fans for their support.

The pair opened up about having the "highest of highs to the lowest of lows" in an emotional video they posted on Instagram earlier this month.

“It’s been wild … But I have to say, throughout this experience this woman has been unbelievable and her perseverance and her acceptance of the whole situation, her strength, it’s been remarkable to witness firsthand,” said Hough.

"She really is a miracle and it’s been miraculous and it’s still a journey," the television personality added. 

Hayley Erbert says she's doing 'so much better every single day'

Reflecting on her health journey, Erbert said, "To this day, I still have really good days and I have really bad days — emotionally and physically sometimes — but I’m doing so much better every single day."

“Truly there is so much progress every day and I’m so grateful for that," she added.