Rebecca Gayheart has spoken out after Eric Dane’s tragic death at 53.
“I am so blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” Gayheart, 54, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, February 22. “There aren’t words to express our gratitude.”
She concluded, “You are truly holding us up during this difficult time.”
Gayheart also shared an image of a vigil for Dane, who died on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53. In the snapshot, a collection of tea candles sat in between family photos of Dane, Gayheart and their two teenage daughters on a tablescape.
Dane and Gayheart were married from 2004 to 2018 before she filed for divorce. The Jawbreakers actress withdrew her petition in 2025 shortly before Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS.
“I think Rebecca was more willing to show up and do her part than I was,” Dane said of their separation in his Famous Last Words interview, which aired hours after his death. “I don’t have that gene [that] just makes you want to keep going regardless of what’s happening. I’m like, ‘If there’s a hole in the boat, don’t try to patch the hole. Scuttle the damn thing and go find a new one.’ … Rebecca’s a fighter and she perseveres.”
While speaking with Brad Falchuk, Dane further stressed that Gayheart had been one of his great loves.
“I will never, by the time anybody sees this, have fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca,” she said. “She’s the mother of my children.”
Dane died on Thursday after battling ALS for nearly one year.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” a statement from his family read, announcing the Grey’s Anatomy actor’s death. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
The statement continued, “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. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
In light of Dane’s death, several of his friends set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Gayheart and her kids.
“As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs,” a fundraiser description states. “Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”
The GoFundMe has raised over $284,000 at the time of publication, including a sizable $27,000 donation from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
“Thank you to everyone,” Gayheart later wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21, alongside a link to the campaign webpage.
:quality(85):upscale()/2025/05/15/715/n/1922564/ab90e60a682611e7f06d97.77199685_.png "12 Free People Summer Must Haves in a Shopping Editors Cart")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/06/12/673/n/1922564/007836996a2c211b8b6222.27413131_.png "10 Fathers Day Gifts at Tecovas, From Bestselling Boots to Elevated Basics")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/06/09/732/n/49352476/33700b5b6a28408346cd80.35100877_.png "Timothée and Kylie Are the Best Dressed Courtside Couple – Shop Their Looks From")
