Hayley Erbert Feeling "Really Strong" 2 Years After Brain Surgery

Derek Hough & Hayley Hough Return to Stage Where She Nearly Died One Year Later

Hayley Erbert is dancing through motherhood with grace.

As the dancer and her husband Derek Hough embrace their latest chapter as first-time parents to baby Everley, she shared a glimpse into her health more than two years after undergoing emergency brain surgery.

"I'm doing great now," Erbert exclusively told E! News during the Symphony of Dance premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival June 7. "I feel really strong, really healthy. I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into this world five months ago, so I feel really, really amazing."

For the couple—who tied the knot in 2023 after eight years together—watching Everley waltz through her milestones has been more rewarding than any Mirrorball trophy.

"She's giggling, she's smiling, grabbing her toes, she's in happy baby position," Hough beamed to E! at the New York City premiere. "Every day is something different, something new. It's been incredible."

In fact, their venture to the Big Apple for the premiere of their documentary—which showed Erbert's December 2023 brain surgery and her journey back to performing—was an achievement in itself for Everley.

The Dancing With the Stars judge revealed, "Her first trip was flying here. She was amazing."

When it comes to shedding light on the highs and lows of parenthood, Erbert was more than happy to be vulnerable with her fans about her own experience.

"I always want to share things that I think people can relate to," the 31-year-old reflected. "I know a lot of mothers that I spoke to personally, they went through a similar journey. I just want to be able to share this and to let anybody feel a little less alone in this process."

"It was amazing, the responses that I got, truly," she added. "Everybody connected to it. It was so beautiful."

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

Indeed, earlier this year, Erbert shared the wide-ranging emotions she felt since giving birth.

"Motherhood is even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined," she wrote on Instagram in April. "It feels like living in two places at once. Where joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time. My heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces."

As she reflected on the beauty and reality of watching Everley grow, she included a reverent vow to their daughter.

"I find myself celebrating every little bit of your growth, while quietly grieving the version of you that existed just moments before," she added. "If this is the dichotomy of motherhood, then I'll try my best to meet it with open arms. Soaking in every little detail, every version of you."

For a look back at Hough and Erbert's winning romance, keep reading.

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