Rebecca Gayheart reacts to 'outpouring of love' after Eric Dane's death

Kim Willis, USA TODAYSun, February 22, 2026 at 9:31 PM UTC

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Eric Dane's wife, Rebecca Gayheart, has emotionally acknowledged the love she's receiving from friends, family and fans.

"I am so blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our community," she wrote early Sunday, Feb. 22, in her Instagram Stories. "There aren't enough words to express our gratitude. You are truly holding us up during this difficult time."

She paired the message with a snapshot of a makeshift memorial of framed family photos of the couple and their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, white flowers and lit votive candles.

She also shared a succession of tributes from others in her stories, including images of Dane before and after his ALS diagnosis: vacationing with his kids, playing with baby livestock and using a wheelchair.

Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane with their daughter, Georgia and Billie, at the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017, in LA.

Dane, 53, died Feb. 19, less than a year after going public with his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The "Euphoria" and "Grey’s Anatomy" star and Gayheart, 54, had been separated for years but remained married as the star dealt with ALS. They shared two children, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.

His death was announced in a statement provided to USA TODAY. "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the statement said. "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.

"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.

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"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always," the statement ended. "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."

1 / 0Eric Dane's family journey in photos

Actor Eric Dane has died following a battle with ALS. He was 53. He leaves behind two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, and wife Rebecca Gayheart. Look back at the family through the years when they joined together in the public eye. Actress Rebecca Gayheart and actor Eric Dane attend the Chrysalis 3rd annual Butterfly Ball at a private residence on April 17, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California.

The two actors married in 2004 and filed for divorce in 2018. Three years later, Gayheart legally dismissed the divorce before Dane made his diagnosis public.

In December, Gayheart wrote about their unusual relationship in an essay for The Cut.

1 / 0From 'Grey's Anatomy' to 'Brilliant Minds,' see Eric Dane's career

Eric Dane played Dr. Mark Sloan, aka "McSteamy," on "Grey's Anatomy" for six seasons, but he's not done wooing his audiences yet. In 2025, Dane returned to TV on another medical drama, making his "Brilliant Minds" debut as "Bronx-Gen's favorite silver fox." Dane revealed in April that he’d been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS. See the actor's career in the spotlight from the early 2000's to now, including here as he attends the "Countdown" premiere and afterparty on June 18, 2025, in Los Angeles.

"We haven't lived in the same home for eight years. He's dated other people; I've dated someone," Gayheart wrote. "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."

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, Taylor Ardrey, Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rebecca Gayheart reacts to 'outpouring' after Eric Dane's death

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