Dane's wife: We showed up for him during ALS battle

Rebecca Gayheart has spoken openly about her coparenting relationship with her late ex-husband, actor Eric Dane, amid his courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The couple, who married in 2004 and share two daughters, Billie and Georgia, had separated, with Gayheart filing for divorce in 2018. She later dismissed these filings in March 2025, just a month before Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis.

Despite no longer being together romantically, Gayheart described their relationship as a "huge success" and emphasized their continued friendship. She stated they remained "best of friends," and that Dane considered her his "biggest champion" and most "stalwart supporter," confiding in her daily during his illness. Gayheart explained her decision to withdraw the divorce was to set an example for their daughters, showing them the importance of showing up for family.

Gayheart further elaborated on their evolving dynamic in an essay, noting that their "complicated" relationship is characterized by a deep "familial love." She acknowledged that while their children might have once hoped for reconciliation, they now understand the reality of the situation. Dane passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 53, surrounded by his family and friends.

His representative confirmed his passing, stating that he spent his final days "surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters," who were the "center of his world." The statement concluded with a request for privacy for the family during this "impossible time."