‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Isaiah Washington reveals wife died a year ago from massive stroke

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ alum Isaiah Washington has revealed that he lost his wife in June 2025.

Washington, 63, had been married to Jenisa Garland since 1996.

Isaiah Washington's wife died days after sudden collapse

Over a year after her death, the actor posted a social media update on his Instagram post, sharing a photo of Garland. He wrote, “Yes…the rumors are true. My dear wife of 29 years collapsed suddenly on May 31, 2025 and passed away on June 9, 2025. It came as a huge shock to me and our entire family.”

Washington further mentioned that his wife died because of a massive hemorrhagic stroke as he went on to issue a warning, saying, “Listen, y’all…some headaches are not just headaches or migraines, they can be much worse and a warning sign. Get a brain scan if you can and take those headaches seriously.”

Isaiah Washington says his children will continue their mother's legacy

The ‘Romeo Must Die’ star also stated in his post that it's been 16 months since Garland’s death, but her legacy continues to live on via their three “incredibly amazing children”.

“I don’t know if this is an appropriate post, because Jenisa Washington was extremely private, but I guess I just have to be reprimanded from her on the other side,” Washington added.

Michael Beach commented below the post as he penned, “It is appropriate, brother. We all need to pay better attention to what we are going through physically and mentally. Love to you and your family ❤️💔.”

Isaiah Washington chose roles keeping in mind his children

Washington and Garland welcomed Isaiah, Tyme, and Iman together over the years. In 2022, he reportedly opened up about navigating his acting career while balancing his personal life.

The actor had said, “I always told my wife, since I have the kids and a wife, that I would rather kiss a horse than a woman on screen. Because then I have to explain myself to my daughter, like, 'Why are you kissing a strange woman?’”

"Because I always wanted to be alive to know 20 years later, what my kids would think of me in that particular role," he noted.

At the time, Washington even talked about getting married so early in his career. He added, “For me, being married and having children did change a lot of my trajectory. That's why I didn't want to get married 25 years ago, but I'm glad I did because the wife and children really make you the best human being that you can be.”