'DWTS' Star Derek Hough Dedicates Emmy & Heartfelt Words To His Wife As She Recovers From Skull Surgery

Professional dancer and choreographer Derek Hough made a special dedication to his beloved wife at the Emmy Awards. His heartfelt words come while Hayley Erbert is recovering from skull surgery.

Last night, "DWTS" alum Derek Hough, 38, was seen flying solo at the Emmys as his wife, Hayley Erbert, continues on her journey to recovery after her craniectomy. Hough experienced an emotional moment during his acceptance speech after he won an Emmy for his work on the popular TV show, which he dedicated to his wife.

With tears in his eyes, Hough sang Erbert's praises. At first, he reflected on how different his life was in December of last year when his wife was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma due to a blood vessel bursting.

The 38-year-old went on to express: "A life-changing moment and it just reminded me how to really cherish and to really savor each and every moment...What a stark contrast this has been."

The doting husband, who had just flown in from Washington, D.C., to attend the event, then stated, "I want to dedicate this to my beautiful wife...Your strength and your courage this whole month has been unbelievable, and you inspire me every single day."

Days before the Emmy Awards, Hough took to his Instagram to share a snapshot of how he spent 2023. The video captured the highlights of his year and the low moments concerning Erbert's health issue. In addition to detailing all he got up to, Hough's caption read, "The pinnacle of this year's journey was committing our love to one another...Each day of our extraordinary journey teaches us to cherish every fleeting moment."

Erbert and Hough, who married in August 2023, had been on the Washington, D.C. leg of their tour "Symphony of Dance" when Erbert had to be rushed to a hospital due to a health complication in which she became disoriented.

Since her skull surgery, Hough, who was seen keeping vigil at Erbert's hospital bedside last year, has been sharing health updates with regard to how his beloved wife has been doing.

The couple also got the opportunity to spend Christmas together at their home following Erbert's successful operation.