Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane’s estranged spouse, Rebecca Gayheart, has shared insights about their relationship.
The couple tied the knot in 2004 and have two daughters. However, in 2018, Gayheart filed for divorce, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’.
Dane issued a statement saying, “We decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family,” and added, “We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us.”
This year, the divorce was put on hold after Dane was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April.
The Mayo Clinic describes ALS as a progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle control loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and it worsens over time.
The X-Men: The Last Stand actor told People in April, “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Gayheart made the decision to retract the divorce to demonstrate to their daughters that ‘we show up for people no matter what’, as the family copes with Dane’s health condition.
In a discussion with The Cut, she described their relationship as ‘complicated’ and ‘confusing for people’.
The Scream 2 actress explained, “We had a really lovely marriage for a long time – we were married for 15 years – we created two beautiful girls. But also, lots of s*** went crazy in our relationship, and it wasn’t good.
“We separated, but we never got a divorce; we were about to and then we didn’t. We haven’t lived in the same home for eight years; he’s dated other people, I’ve dated someone.”
Gayheart expressed that they continue to care for one another, albeit not romantically.
She elaborated, “Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love. 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.
“So whatever I can do or however I can show up to make this journey better for him or easier for him, I want to do that. And I want to model that for my girls: That’s what you do. That’s the right thing to do.”
Dane has been transparent about his ALS experience, sharing that his initial symptom was mistaken for ‘texting too much’.
He emphasized the importance of discussing his diagnosis to raise awareness about ALS.
Gayheart also discussed the impact of his diagnosis on their family, stating at the Step Up’s 2025 Inspiration Awards that she and their daughters are ‘trying to get through it’ and adapt to the ‘new normal’.