The dancer won his fourth Emmy on Saturday night and dedicated it to Erbert, his wife of nearly five months.
Derek Hough celebrated his Creative Arts Emmy win on Saturday night by dedicating it to the strongest person he knows, wife Hayley Erbert.
In an Instagram post, the professional dancer and Dancing With the Stars judge, 38, gave his wife, 29, a shout-out in a special tribute a month after a scary health incident turned their lives upside down.
"Exactly one month ago, to the day, my world was shaken. The contrast of that moment with this one couldn't be starker. It's a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change," Derek wrote.
In December, Hayley -- while on their A Symphony of Dance tour -- stepped off stage from a show in Washington, D.C., and acted "disoriented." She was rushed to the hospital where doctors made the discovery that she had a cranial hematoma. Thankfully, medical personnel were able to take lifesaving measures and remove the blood from the brain.
"I'm reminded to savor every moment, to cherish every day with the people we love. Being alive is the greatest prize we could ever win," Derek continued in his Emmy Award post, which included a series of photos of him with his award on the red carpet.
"To my wife, @hayley.erbert this one's for you," the dancer and Hairspray Live! alum shared. "The center piece and muse of this dance. This journey, these moments, they are all the more precious because of what we've endured together."
Saturday night's Emmy win marks the fourth for the dancer; his most recent win is for choreographing a dance to "Higher" for DWTS.
In the post, the actor, singer and musician also thanked ABC, the Television Academy and members of his team for believing in him and supporting him throughout his career. Ultimately, his post ended, however, with the message to his partner of eight years.
In addition to being married in real life, the couple are partners on the stage and in their A Symphony of Dance tour. It was Derek who noticed Hayley's disorientation back in December before her cranial hematoma was found.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a cranial hematoma is "a collection of blood within the skull. It's usually caused by a blood vessel that bursts in the brain. It may also be caused by trauma such as a car accident or fall. The blood may collect in the brain tissue or underneath the skull, pressing on the brain. Some head injuries, such as one that causes only a short period of unconsciousness, can be minor. However, an intracranial hematoma is potentially life-threatening. It usually requires immediate treatment. This might include surgery to remove the blood."
In order to fix the problem, doctors performed an emergency craniectomy followed by a cranioplasty. Both procedures, Derek said, were successful.
"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 in a Dec. 21 post.
"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," Derek wrote next to a photo of him sitting in a chair next to his wife's hospital bed.
"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," he added.
On Dec. 31, he commemorated 2023 -- which also included their August wedding -- in a post dedicated to "life's challenges and joys."
"An honored role judging 'Dancing With The Stars', and a highlight paying homage to the legendary Len Goodman. Choreography awards and recognitions. The pinnacle of this year's journey was committing our love to one another in a breathtaking fairytale wedding, followed by an enchanting honeymoon in Italy," he wrote. "These experiences are treasures of gratitude, reminding us of life's splendor and its fleeting nature."
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