“Dancing with the Stars” alum Hayley Erbert asked for support from fans, and she received loads of it. The former DWTS troupe member, who is also married to current show judge Derek Hough, took to social media to share a heartbreaking post about a critical surgery her stepfather was having.
Hayley Erbert Said Her Family Could Use Healing Light & Love
On May 23, Erbert shared a post on her Instagram page that quickly sparked a flood of prayers and love from “Dancing with the Stars” fans and colleagues.
Erbert wrote, “We could use every prayer, every ounce of love, and every bit of healing light today! My stepdad, Jim, is heading into a very long and high-risk surgery to remove a large tumor and any remaining cancer cells in his torso.”
She continued, “He is truly one of the strongest, kindest souls I know, and I believe with all my heart that he’s going to make it through this with the same courage and grace he brings to everything in life.”
Along with the touching caption, Erbert included two photos in her Instagram post. Both showed her stepdad beaming with love and pride for Erbert.
She did not provide context for the story behind the photos. However, it appeared they may have been taken at a pre-wedding event for Erbert and Hough.
“When I went through my brain surgery, I witnessed firsthand how powerful love, energy and prayer can be,” Erbert added.
In December 2023, Erbert was rushed to the hospital while performing on her tour with Hough. She had a “life-threatening event” and needed an emergency craniectomy after experiencing a cranial hematoma.
Throughout Erbert’s hospitalization and recovery, the “Dancing with the Stars” family fully supported Hough and Erbert.
In her new Instagram post, Erbert noted that with her surgery, she saw how the support creates “space for miracles.” She acknowledged, “Right now, Jim could use that miracle.”
“Please surround him (and my mom) with strength, light, and all the healing energy we can possibly give. Jim, I love you so much,” Erbert added.
DWTS Colleagues & Fans Stepped Up
Erbert’s post received over 30,000 “likes” and 1,200 comments over the first couple of hours as everybody stepped up to send their support.
“Dancing with the Stars” alum Amy Purdy, who partnered with Hough, wrote, “Praying for you and your family today Hayley. We got to spend a lot of time with him at the wedding and he and Daniel really hit it off. He is such a good guy. WE have been thinking of him ever since.”
Jennifer Love Hewitt commented, “Praying for him🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.”
Brooks Laich, Erbert’s former brother-in-law, wrote, “Sending big hugs and our best to Jim and the entire family! Wishing for a successful surgery and a full recovery!” Laich was previously married to Hough’s sister and “Dancing with the Stars” co-host Julianne Hough.
Julianne Hough shared, “Praying for our Jim. ❤️”
Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Lindsay Arnold added, “Praying for you all today. 🫶🏻🫶🏻”
“God bless him. [We] are sending strength and love @debbie_schwartz, 👏” commented Shirley Ballas, the mother of former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Mark Ballas.
“Please keep us posted today and in the following days. We are standing in prayer for your precious Step Dad and Family in his health journey. Blessings, 💝💝💝💝” read a fan’s comment.
