Julianne Hough holding family ‘extra tight’ after sister-in-law’s brain surgery

TV

By Nicki Gostin

Julianne Hough is holding her family “extra tight” during this holiday season.

The “DWTS” co-host, 35, shared some sweet snaps of herself with family members including sister Sharee Hough and her mom Marriann Hough on Instagram Thursday.

Included in the roundup were her brother Derek Hough and a particularly poignant photo of her hugging his wife, Hayley Erbert, who recently underwent brain surgery.

“Holding my family extra tight this holiday season ,” the professional dancer captioned the post.

Earlier this month, Erbert, 29. was hospitalized after she “became disoriented” at the end of a show she was performing with Derek in Washington, D.C., Dec. 6.

The “So You Think You Can Dance” alum underwent emergency brain surgery after being diagnosed “with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, an intracranial hematoma is a collection of blood within the brain tissue or underneath the skull, which then presses on the brain.

Last week, alongside a video of the couple walking, Derek, 38, wrote that his wife would have to undergo a second surgery to “insert a skull implant to replace the piece that was removed during the craniectomy” and would “restore the skull to its natural shape and protect the brain from injury.”

He also called her “recovery process…nothing short of a miracle.”

And on Thursday, Derek revealed on Instagram that Erbert had successfully undergone the planned second brain surgery.

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“With immense relief, gratitude and overwhelming joy I’d like to share that Hayley’s cranioplasty surgery has been successfully completed as planned,” he wrote alongside an image of him sitting next to his wife’s hospital bed.

“My sincere appreciation goes to the exceptional medical team. Their expertise and steady hands were pivotal in this journey, ensuring a smooth and successful surgery.”

The “Dancing With the Stars” judge shared that he and Erbert have been “profoundly touched by the outpouring of support and prayers” from everyone and it has “been a source of strength and comfort” for them during this difficult time.

“This surgery marks a significant milestone in my wife’s recovery journey, and your support has played a crucial role in getting us here,” he wrote.

“Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for standing with us,” he ended the missive. “We love you With heartfelt thanks and endless gratitude.”

The dancing couple tied the knot in a romantic ceremony held in a redwood forest in Calif. in August 2023.

They got engaged in June 2022 after seven years of dating.