Celebrity3 min(s) read
Emotional reason Eric Dane’s wife Rebecca withdrew divorce filing after actor was diagnosed with ALS
Rebecca Gayheart made a life-altering decision after Eric Dane was diagnosed with ALS — and it wasn’t about rekindling romance.
The actress revealed on the Broad Ideas podcast last November that she withdrew her divorce filing because she wanted to set an example for their two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
Her goal was to show them what it means to stand by family, even during life’s darkest chapters.
“We tell them, ‘We show up for people no matter what. He is our family. He is your father,’” Gayheart shared.
She explained that throughout Dane’s diagnosis and while navigating their complicated relationship, her priority remained making sure their daughters felt supported and secure.
She emphasized that she wanted the girls to feel “taken care of” even though “things are hard and sad and bad.”
A Marriage, A Separation, And A Difficult New Reality
Gayheart and Dane married in 2004, building a life together before things changed. After 13 years of marriage, the Jawbreaker star filed for divorce in 2018.
However, after seven years of separation, the pair called off their divorce last March. Just one month later, the Grey’s Anatomy star publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS.
Speaking candidly in November, Gayheart, 54, described their relationship as “super complicated.” She admitted she wasn’t entirely certain whether withdrawing the divorce filing was the right decision.
“I’m just showing up and trying to be there for [my kids]. I guess time will tell,” she said.
“A Familial Love”
In an essay for The Cut published last December, Gayheart offered further insight into their bond.
She explained that while their romantic relationship had changed, their connection had not disappeared.
Her and Dane’s “love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love.”
She also clarified that the two “haven’t lived in the same home for eight years.”
Despite living separately, they remained closely connected as co-parents. Both had moved forward romantically — Gayheart was linked to billionaire Peter Morton, while Dane dated filmmaker Janell Shirtcliff last June — yet family remained central.
According to her essay, they regularly came together for family gatherings.
“This year, the girls and I have spent a lot of time at Eric’s house, which is about a 12-minute drive away from our home,” the essay continued.
“We have a lot of meals together. We do a lot of drop-by visits — well, I don’t just drop by. I always call and say, ‘I’m coming up the hill’ or ‘I’m dropping Georgia off.’”
Eric Dane Dies At 53 Following ALS Battle
Tragically, Eric Dane passed away on Thursday, just 10 months after announcing his ALS diagnosis. He was 53 years old.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said.
The statement also highlighted how Dane used his diagnosis to advocate for others.
“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,” the statement continued. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.”