Rebecca Gayheart has spoken out after Eric Dane’s tragic death at 53.
“I’m so blown away by the outpouring of affection and support from our community,” Gayheart, 54, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, February 22. “There aren’t words to precise our gratitude.”
She concluded, “You’re truly holding us up during this difficult time.”
Gayheart also shared a picture of a vigil for Dane, who died on Thursday, February 19, on the age of 53. Within the snapshot, a group 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 believe Rebecca was more willing to point out up and do her part than I used to be,” 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 desire to keep going no matter what’s happening. I’m like, ‘If there’s a hole within the boat, don’t attempt to patch the opening. Scuttle the rattling thing and go discover a latest one.’ … Rebecca’s a fighter and he or she perseveres.”
While speaking with Brad Falchuk, Dane further stressed that Gayheart had been one in every of his great loves.
“I won’t ever, by the point anybody sees this, have fallen in love with one other 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 yr.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” a press release 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 middle 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 identical fight. He shall be deeply missed and lovingly remembered all the time. Eric adored his fans and is eternally grateful for the outpouring of affection and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this not possible time.”
In light of Dane’s death, several of his friends arrange a GoFundMe campaign to support Gayheart and her kids.
“As his illness progressed way 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, irrespective of the scale, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the longer term for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”
The GoFundMe has raised over $284,000 on the time of publication, including a large $27,000 donation from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
“Thanks to everyone,” Gayheart later wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21, alongside a link to the campaign webpage.