Eric Dane 'reconnected' with ex-girlfriend Priya Jain 'as friends' before his death

Priya Jain was reportedly caught off guard by the timing of Eric Dane’s death following his battle with ALS, which he publicly announced in April 2025
PUBLISHED FEB 22, 2026
Eric Dane ‘reconnected’ with ex Priya Jain before death as she shares emotional tribute (MEGA/GC Images)
Eric Dane ‘reconnected’ with ex Priya Jain before death as she shares emotional tribute (MEGA/GC Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Late actor Eric Dane reportedly made peace with ex-girlfriend Priya Jain in the months before his death, with sources saying the two quietly rebuilt their bond as friends.

According to US Weekly, the pair reconnected shortly before the ‘Euphoria’ star’s death, a development that has added an emotional layer to the tributes pouring in after his death at age 53.

Priya Jain and Eric Dane are seen out and about on May 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
Priya Jain and Eric Dane are seen out and about on May 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

Eric Dane and Priya Jain reportedly rebuilt friendship

“In the months leading up to Eric’s passing Priya and Eric reconnected their relationship as friends,” a source told the outlet on Friday.

The insider added that after their breakup over the summer, “it was more important for them to remain friends.”

Jain was reportedly caught off guard by the timing of Dane’s death. “Priya didn’t think it would happen this quickly,” the source said, referring to his ALS battle, which he publicly announced in April 2025.

Despite the split, the insider emphasized the depth of her feelings, noting Jain “has so much love” for the actor and describing him as “such a special person.”

Insider says Priya Jain devastated by sudden loss

The source further shared that Jain remains deeply connected to Dane’s loved ones.

She “has a lot of love for his family” and “knows how hard this is for his daughters,” the insider said.

While she is said to be “so sad and devastated,” Jain is also reportedly “grateful” that his daughters - Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14 - “exist to keep his memory alive.”

The former couple had dated for about a year, according to a source who previously spoke to the outlet in June.

Relationship timeline and unexpected split

Jain and Dane reportedly met in the summer of 2024 and became “exclusive” by November of that year.

However, their relationship hit turbulence when Dane appeared at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Countdown’ with director Janell Shirtcliff, a move that reportedly left Jain “blindsided.”

Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff attend the
Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff attend the 'Countdown' Premiere and After-Party on June 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Prime Video)

At the time, a source told Page Six, “They never broke up.”

The couple were last photographed together in May 2025, shortly after Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis.

Amid his health battle, Dane’s wife, Rebecca Gayheart, called off their divorce in March 2025.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 03: Chrysalis Butterfly Ball Co-chair Rebecca Gayheart-Dane (L) and Actor Eric Dane at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Chrysalis Butterfly Ball)
Chrysalis Butterfly Ball Co-chair Rebecca Gayheart-Dane (L) and Actor Eric Dane at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017 in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)

Gayheart later explained the decision was meant to show their daughters the importance of showing up for family even “when times are at their worst.” She also noted that she and Dane had not lived together for eight years.

Priya Jain shares emotional Instagram tribute

Following Dane’s death, Jain took to Instagram Stories on Saturday with a deeply personal farewell.

Priya Jain paid tribute to Eric Dane after reports they reconnected before his death (@priya.j.j/Instagram)
Priya Jain paid tribute to Eric Dane after his death (@priya.j.j/Instagram)

She posted four black-and-white photos, including one where she is seen snuggling up to the late actor.

“You truly were a black leather jacket in a world of tan cardigans,” she wrote across the images, adding white heart and dove emojis.

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