Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert found their perfect dance partner.
Over a year after Hayley suffered a cranial hematoma that resulted in emergency skull surgery, the couple—who tied the knot in August 2023—reflected on the ups and downs of the last 12 months.
"After three months of getting married, it was like, 'Oh, we're putting those vows to the test real fast,'" Derek told E! News in an exclusive interview at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 2025 Oscars viewing party March 2. "But it's been wonderful. It's beautiful. We've had an extraordinary year of triumph, of challenge and we're here having a good time."
In fact, in April 2024, just months after the serious health scare, Hayley made her return to the stage with the Dancing With the Stars judge for their Symphony of Dance tour.
"Last year we went on three tours together," she added. "110 shows, 80 different cities. So, we've had a full marriage already, just in a year and a half." (For more at the 33rd annual Academy Awards viewing party, tune into E! News tonight, March 3 at 11 p.m.)
While some couples prefer to separate their career and personal life, Derek, 39, is glad he and Hayley, 30, can include one another in both.
"We found a really good balance," he said. "We love it. We're actually really fortunate. We were just being grateful every day. There's so much to be grateful for."
Indeed, Hayley's recovery had been a traumatic but rewarding chapter as the dancer regained her strength alongside her husband.
"When everything happened, I said, 'Wow, honey, you're putting those vows to the test really fast, through sickness and in health,'" Derek told E! News in December. "Our love has just deepened, and it's gotten stronger and better. One year, I mean, that's 15 years in Hollywood years, so we're doing great."
Being faced with difficult challenges during Hayley's recovery gave the couple a chance to reevaluate their perspective and priorities.
"This past year has been unbelievable," Derek added. "It's really unfathomable where we were just a year ago—it just makes you reflect and take stock of how important life is and how beautiful it is."
"It's really easy to get wrapped up," he continued. "The world is such this crazy place, but the truth is, what's bad is always available, but so is what's good."
As Hayley and Derek dance through this exciting chapter in their lives, read on to see all the stars at the Oscars after-parties.
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