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Rebecca Gayheart, wife of the late actor Eric Dane, has expressed profound gratitude for the wave of support she and her family have received following Dane’s passing.
On Sunday, February 22, Gayheart took to Instagram Stories to share an emotional message with her community. “I am so blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” she wrote.
“There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude. You are truly holding us up during this difficult time.”
The message was accompanied by a poignant image of a makeshift memorial, featuring framed family photographs of Dane, Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, alongside white flowers and lit votive candles. Gayheart also shared a series of tributes, including photos of Dane before and after his ALS diagnosis, capturing moments of him vacationing with his children, interacting with young livestock, and utilizing a wheelchair.
Eric Dane, 53, a beloved star of “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” died on February 19, less than a year after publicly disclosing his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Though separated for several years, Dane and Gayheart, 54, remained legally married as he navigated his illness. They shared two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Dane’s death was confirmed in a statement provided to news outlets: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. 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 further highlighted Dane’s advocacy: “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.” It concluded, “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.”
The actors married in 2004 and initiated divorce proceedings in 2018. However, Gayheart legally dismissed the divorce three years later, prior to Dane’s public diagnosis.
In a December essay for The Cut, Gayheart offered insight into their unique relationship. “We haven’t lived in the same home for eight years.
He’s dated other people; I’ve dated someone,” Gayheart revealed. “It’s a very complicated relationship, one that’s confusing for people.
Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love.”
She added, “Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him. That I’m going to do my best to do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me.”