Eric Dane’s widow Rebecca Gayheart reveals why she withdrew divorce filing after his ALS diagnosis

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rebecca Gayheart has opened up about her decision to withdraw her divorce filing from Eric Dane after the actor was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dane’s widow shared these details during an interview while promoting the actor’s posthumous memoir, 'My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments.'

Gayheart also spoke about how she is coping with Dane’s death.

Rebecca Gayheart explains divorce decision after Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis

Gayheart filed for divorce from Dane in 2018 after nearly 14 years of marriage.

However, the two continued to raise their daughters, Billie and Georgia, while maintaining their family bond. In March 2025, Gayheart requested that the divorce petition be dismissed.

Speaking on the 'Broad Ideas' podcast in November 2025, she explained that she wanted to teach their daughters the importance of supporting family members through difficult times.

“We tell them, ‘We show up for people no matter what. He is our family. He is your father,’” she told The Today Show. Gayheart also admitted that their situation was difficult for her, as they had been separated for eight years.

When asked whether she considers herself a “widow,” Gayheart said she feels “solo in a way that is hard.”

After revealing his ALS diagnosis, Dane expressed gratitude for his family's support, saying he was “grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.” He died in February 2026 at the age of 53.

Rebecca Gayheart opens up about life after Eric Dane’s death

Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. The actor, best known for playing Dr Mark Sloan on 'Grey’s Anatomy,' died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53.

During a recent appearance on 'The Today Show' while promoting his posthumous memoir, Gayheart spoke about how much she misses him and the difficult period her family is going through.

She said the memoir gives their daughters a chance to hear their father's story in his own words. Gayheart also reflected on how much she admired him and his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.

The actress is now navigating life without Dane while supporting their daughters through the loss of their father.

“They have his story, in his words, written the way he wants it to be written, told how he wants it to be told,” she said. “It’s such a gift for my daughters.”