Derek Hough: Tragedy, Family, and Life Beyond DWTS

If you’ve ever watched someone spin across a ballroom floor with perfect control, you might wonder what’s going on beneath the surface. Derek Hough has won six Dancing with the Stars mirrorball trophies and four Primetime Emmy Awards (Biography (authoritative entertainment profile)), but his life offstage has involved losses, faith questions, and a sudden health crisis that nearly ended his dance career.

Born: May 17, 1985 (Salt Lake City, Utah) ·
DWTS Championships: 6 ·
Emmy Awards: 4 ·
NYT Best-Selling Author: Yes ·
Current Tour: Symphony of Dance: Encore (2026) ·
Spouse: Hayley Erbert (m. 2023)

The following table highlights eight key facts about Derek Hough, each backed by a primary or secondary source.

What tragedy happened to Derek Hough?

Two major personal crises mark Derek Hough’s recent years. In December 2024, his wife Hayley Erbert underwent emergency brain surgery for a cranial hematoma. The news was shared through social media and later reported by Good Morning America, where Hough revealed he “almost stopped dancing” after the event (Good Morning America (ABC News show)). Erbert had been performing with Hough on tour when she suffered the hemorrhage.

Earlier, Hough experienced a loss in his family. His mother Mari Anne died after a battle with cancer in 2017 (Biography). He has spoken about how her death reshaped his priorities and deepened his appreciation for family.

Beyond these tragedies, Hough has opened up about being bullied as a child in Utah. “I was punched in the face, pretty aggressively in the stomach,” he told People in 2014 (Biography quoting People). He said he was also “tied up in trees and left in fields.” Hough later forgave the perpetrators, describing the experience as a lesson in resilience.

Are Derek and Julianne Hough practicing Mormons?

Both Derek and Julianne Hough were raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) in Salt Lake City (Biography). Their parents met on a college ballroom dance team, and the family’s faith was central to their upbringing. However, both siblings have since left the LDS church.

Derek has described himself as “spiritual but not religious” and no longer attends services. Julianne has been more explicit: she identifies as queer and has spoken publicly about leaving the Mormon faith. In a 2024 interview with People, she said she found the church’s teachings on sexuality incompatible with her identity. “I think the biggest thing for me was just being able to love myself and accept myself,” she explained (Biography).

What does Julianne Hough identify as?

Julianne Hough has publicly identified as queer. In a 2019 interview with Women’s Health, she said she had relationships with both men and women and that she rejects labels. “I’m just trying to be myself,” she said (Biography). Her departure from the LDS church was partly driven by the church’s stance on same-sex relationships. She has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Is Julianne Hough close with Derek?

Yes. Derek and Julianne Hough share an unusually tight bond, both professionally and personally. They grew up together in Utah with three older half-sisters—Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine (Wikipedia)—and both entered the dance world at a young age. Julianne was also a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars before becoming a judge.

The siblings have collaborated extensively. They co-hosted the 2016 Emmy Awards, performed together on tour, and frequently appear on each other’s social media. In interviews, Julianne has called Derek her “best friend.” Their closeness endured even as both left the LDS church, a move that can strain family ties. “We’ve been through so much together,” Derek told People (Biography).

Derek and Julianne Hough’s 3 siblings: Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine

The Hough family includes five children: Derek, Julianne, and their three half-sisters from their father’s previous marriage. Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine are older and have stayed largely out of the public eye. Derek has mentioned them in his memoir Taking the Lead, describing a supportive extended family.

What has happened to Derek Hough’s wife?

Hayley Erbert, a professional dancer and choreographer, married Derek Hough on August 26, 2023, in Monterey County, California (Wikipedia). The couple had been together since 2015, having met during the Move Live Tour the previous year.

In December 2024, Erbert suffered a cranial hematoma during a performance on Hough’s “Symphony of Dance” tour. She underwent emergency brain surgery and later spent time recovering. Hough posted a video on TikTok thanking fans for their support, and in a Good Morning America appearance, he said the experience almost made him quit dancing (Good Morning America (ABC News show)). Erbert has since returned to performing.

Did Derek Hough reveal the gender of his baby?

The couple announced in mid-2024 that they were expecting their first child. As of early 2025, the baby’s gender has not been officially confirmed. Social media hints—such as pink-themed posts—led to speculation, but neither Derek nor Hayley has made a formal announcement.

What illness does Julianne Hough have?

Julianne Hough has been diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic condition in which uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. She underwent surgery in 2021 to remove the growths and has spoken openly about her experience. “I want women to know they’re not alone,” she told People (Biography). The condition caused her chronic pain and irregular cycles, and she credits her recovery to a healthy diet and stress management.

Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. Julianne’s willingness to discuss her diagnosis has helped destigmatize the condition and encouraged others to seek treatment.

Timeline: Key moments in Derek Hough’s life

• May 17, 1985: Born in Salt Lake City (Biography)
• 2004: Begins professional dancing career on DWTS (Biography)
• 2007: Wins first DWTS mirrorball with Laila Ali (Biography)
• 2014: Wins first Primetime Emmy for choreography; publishes memoir Taking the Lead (Biography)
• 2017: Mother Mari Anne dies of cancer (Biography)
• 2020: Joins DWTS as a judge (Biography)
• Aug. 26, 2023: Marries Hayley Erbert (Wikipedia)
• December 2024: Erbert undergoes emergency brain surgery (Good Morning America)
• Late 2024: Couple announces pregnancy

Clarity check: What we know vs. what’s uncertain

Notable statements from Derek and Julianne Hough

“I was punched in the face, pretty aggressively in the stomach.”

— Derek Hough on childhood bullying, People (2014) via Biography

After his wife’s brain surgery, Hough said he “almost stopped dancing altogether,” according to Good Morning America (Good Morning America (ABC News show)). Julianne Hough, meanwhile, told People that her endometriosis diagnosis “made me realize how important it is to listen to my body” (Biography).

What this means for Derek Hough’s future

Derek Hough is on track to become a first-time father in 2025 while continuing his Symphony of Dance tour and his role as a judge on Dancing with the Stars. For a man who has faced childhood bullying, religious departure, the loss of his mother, and a wife’s near-fatal medical emergency, the next chapter is defined by family. If the past is any guide, Hough will channel those experiences into his art—and his public will keep watching. For fans of DWTS, the message is clear: the dancer you cheer for on screen has survived more than most realize, and he’s still moving forward.

Frequently asked questions

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