'DIFFICULT TIME'

Rebecca Gayheart Breaks Silence After Eric Dane’s Death

The ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star died last week after battling ALS.

Rebecca Gayheart thanked fans for their support after the death of her husband, actor Eric Dane. Dane died at age 53 on Feb. 19 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), surrounded by his family, including Gayheart. “I’m so blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” Gayheart posted on her Instagram story. Behind the words, Gayheart’s story featured images of Dane with his family and two candles. “There aren’t words to express our gratitude. You are truly holding us up during this difficult time,” she added. Gayheart and the Grey’s Anatomy star separated in 2018 but remained married. She had filed for divorce from Dane in 2018, but withdrew the petition in March 2025, one month before Dane made his ALS diagnosis public. Gayheart wrote in The Cut that she was completely in charge of Dane’s medical care. After Dane’s death, his family told PEOPLE, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.” Those close to him have started a GoFundMe to raise money for his family. Dane is survived by his wife and two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.