Rebecca Gayheart thanks supporters after Eric Dane's death: 'You are truly holding us up'

Rebecca Gayheart halted her divorce to care for Eric Dane during his ALS battle, calling their bond familial despite separation
PUBLISHED FEB 23, 2026
Rebecca Gayheart thanked supporters for their love after Eric Dane died at 53 following a battle with ALS (Getty Images)
Rebecca Gayheart thanked supporters for their love after Eric Dane died at 53 following a battle with ALS (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rebecca Gayheart is expressing her deep appreciation for the outpouring of “love and support” her family has received from the community following the death of Eric Dane.

The actress took to social media to thank everyone for their support as she and her daughters mourn the actor, who passed away last week at age 53 after battling ALS. 

Gayheart says she's blown away' by all the support received after Dane's death (Screengrab/RebeccaGayheart/Instagram)
Rebecca Gayheart says she's blown away' by all the support received after Eric Dane's death (Screengrab/RebeccaGayheart/Instagram)

Rebecca Gayheart thanks supporters during difficult time

In the early hours of Sunday morning, February 22, Rebecca Gayheart shared an emotional tribute on Instagram to acknowledge the support flowing in from around the world since Eric Dane’s death.

Actor Eric Dane, actress Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane attend the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017 in Brentwood, California. (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Actor Eric Dane, actress Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane attend the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017 in Brentwood, California (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Gayheart posted a photo of family pictures arranged on a piano, showing how much the messages of support have meant to her during this “difficult time.”

She wrote, "I am so blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our community. There aren't enough words to express our gratitude. You are truly holding us up during this difficult time."

Rebecca Gayheart earlier honored late Eric Dane with family photos

The tribute followed a series of candid throwback posts shared on Saturday, February 21, capturing moments between Eric Dane and his two daughters, aged 15 and 13.

The snapshots, featured on Rebecca Gayheart’s Instagram Stories, highlighted the bond Dane maintained with his children despite his declining health.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Actors Rebecca Gayheart (L) and Eric Dane attend the 2nd Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards benefiting Children's Hospital Los Angeles at Avalon Hollywood on February 21, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
Actors Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane attend the 2nd Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards benefiting Children's Hospital Los Angeles at Avalon Hollywood on February 21, 2016 in Los Angeles, California (Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)

Gayheart’s Instagram Stories also included reshared tributes from friends and colleagues remembering the actor.

According to a family statement, Dane 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."  

Rebecca Gayheart reflects on caring for Eric Dane amid ALS battle

Although Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart separated in 2018, Rebecca Gayheart halted the divorce proceedings after Dane was diagnosed with ALS so she could help care for him.

In a late 2025 essay for 'The Cut', Gayheart explained that she coordinated Eric Dane’s complex medical schedule, which was divided into 21 shifts, often stepping in when needed.

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

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