Dancing with the Stars host Julianne Hough and judge Derek Hough have revealed they're mourning a devastating loss in their family.

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Derek and Julianne's beloved grandmother has passed away.

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Derek announced his grandmother's death in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, March 31.

Alongside several family photos, Derek wrote, "Losing Grandma feels like losing a part of our family's soul. She was the one with endless stories, each one teaching us something new or just making us double over with laughter."

"Her stories were almost unbelievable, igniting our imaginations," the former World of Dance judge and Dancing with the Stars pro continued.

"Her love was the kind that made you feel seen, heard, and valued, no matter what. As we say goodbye, I'm reminded of all the beautiful moments we shared, and somehow, it feels like she's still here, guiding us, loving us."

Derek praised his grandmother for giving his family "so much to remember, cherish and to pass on."

Derek insisted that he and his loved ones already miss her "terribly," adding, "But we're grateful for every second we got to spend with you. So long... for now you little stinker."

"You'll always be in our hearts," Derek concluded, "making us smile. We love you."

Julianne, for her part, also shared a sweet tribute to her grandmother via Instagram Stories, which has since expired.

"My grandma's such a ham," Julianne quipped, sharing a spirited video.

"She was always such a playful sweet angel. You get to be with grandpa now...and ALWAYS, Happy Day!"

The siblings received a lot of supportive comments and condolences from friends and fans.

Derek and Julianne have been through a lot in their personal lives lately.

Derek's wife and Julianne's sister-in-law, Hayley Erbert, endured a months-long health crisis, but she's now in recovery.

In early December, Hayley became "disoriented" while performing on Derek's "Symphony Tour." Hayley was taken to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy.

A couple of weeks later, the pro dancer had a cranioplasty to replace a large portion of her skull that had been removed during her prior surgery.

On February 5, Derek and Hayley posted a lengthy Instagram video, sharing details about Hayley's journey to recovery, new look, and new "outlook on life."

Hayley allowed fans to see her shaved head and the large scar she has going down her middle part.

"[It's] a new scar, a new sac of fluid on the side of my face -- which is supposed to eventually go away, but right now it's still there," Hayley said with a laugh, showing that she was in good spirits.

Derek pointed out how his wife, whom he married in August 2023, had a little bit of cerebral spinal fluid draining out of her head near her temple.

"I've also got a new skull," Hayley said. "But yeah, also a new outlook on life. Life is so precious. Just spend time with the ones you love. Hold them close because you never know what could happen."

Derek agreed and elaborated, "We've had the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but I have to say that throughout this experience, this woman has been unbelievable. Her perseverance, her acceptance of the whole situation, and her strength -- it's been remarkable to witness firsthand."

"She really is a miracle and it has been miraculous," the Dancing with the Stars judge added, "and it's still a journey."

Derek and Hayley, who got engaged in June 2022 after more than six years of dating, told fans how much their support and prayers had meant to them via Instagram.

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"I genuinely felt that [love] through my body and I felt it in my heart and I felt it in my soul," Hayley told her followers last month.

"I believe that it's what got me through this a little bit faster. And it's helped me heal. It's what helped me stay positive throughout the entire experience."




About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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