Eric Dane called his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, his “biggest champion” following his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
The couple were married for 14 years before Gayheart filed for divorce in February 2018, yet they never followed through with finalizing their divorce. In April 2025, Gayheart asked a court to dismiss her divorce petition entirely, signaling she may have reconciled with Dane in light of his illness.
Dane took part in a powerful interview with Diane Sawyer about his ALS battle in June 2025, where the journalist mentioned he and Gayheart were growing “close” once again.
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The former Grey’s Anatomy actor subsequently teared up when he referred to Gayheart as his “biggest champion” while discussing his supportive family with Sawyer. (The couple, who tied the knot in 2004, share daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.)
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Keep scrolling for a look at the latest developments in Dane and Gayheart’s marriage:
Divorce Filing
Gayheart confirmed her split from Dane by filing for divorce in 2018, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their separation. She sought spousal support and legal custody of her and Dane’s two daughters.
Despite petitioning the court to begin divorce proceedings, Gayheart and Dane never actually settled their divorce.
Divorce Dismissal
The first reports emerged in March 2025 that Gayheart and Dane may have reconciled. Us Weekly confirmed at the time that Gayheart asked a court to dismiss her divorce petition entirely.
While the pair did not immediately address their marital status, they’d taken family vacations with their daughters and publicly referenced their close coparenting bond over the years.
“We’re doing our best. It isn’t easy,” Gayheart told Us in October 2018. “But we are trying and we are committed.”
‘Best of Friends’
One day before Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis, Gayheart told E! News that the two were trying to figure out the best dynamic for their daughters.
“We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents,” Gayheart said. “We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.”
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The former Beverly Hills, 90210 cast member said her separation from Dane in 2018 taught her “not [to] look at a relationship that ends as a failure.”
“It’s just a season. It wasn’t a failure. It was a huge success,” she said. “We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids so I think that’s a successful relationship, and that’s how we look at it.”
ALS Announcement
Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 by saying he was grateful to have his “loving family” by his side every step of the way.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he added in a statement to People. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a degenerative “nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.” With no known cure, ALS patients lose control of the muscles for speech, movement and eating as the disease progresses.
‘Real Luxuries of Life’
Gayheart subtly addressed Dane’s ALS announcement two days later with an Instagram message about the importance of “the real luxuries in life.” She shared a passage from an unidentified book about celebrating life’s simple pleasures.
Her message included the following passage, “Time, health, a quiet mind, slow mornings, ability to travel, rest without guilt, a good night’s sleep, calm and ‘boring’ days, meaningful conversations, home-cooked meals, people you love, people who love you back.”
Public Reunion
Dane and Gayheart were spotted sharing a meal at a West Hollywood, California restaurant in May 2025. Dane was wearing dark sunglasses and a black sweater with matching baggy sweatpants, while his wife wore a blue striped button-down with a pair of jeans and a navy handbag.
Mother’s Day
Gayheart used her 2025 Mother’s Day Instagram post to encourage followers to support the ALS Association in light of Dane’s diagnosis. In her holiday message, she referred to Dane as her “ex-husband.”
“Motherhood is the most meaningful role I’ve ever had,” she wrote. “My daughters inspire me every day — Georgia shines on the volleyball court, while Billie spends her time dancing. The ALS Association is especially important to our family, as my ex husband Eric was recently diagnosed. Their work has become deeply personal to us.”
‘Once Separated, Now Close’
During a Good Morning America interview with Dane in June 2025, Sawyer referenced his apparent reconciliation with Gayheart.
“The couple [were] once separated, but now are close,” Sawyer told viewers.
‘My Biggest Champion’
While speaking to Sawyer about his ALS diagnosis, Dane teared up as he discussed the overwhelming support he’d received from Gayheart.
“I talk to her every day,” he said on Good Morning America. “We have managed to become better friends and better parents and she is … my biggest champion. My most stalwart supporter. And I lean on her.”
Dane stressed that he was “fighting as much as I can” so he could watch his and Gayheart’s daughters grow up.
“At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can,” he told Sawyer.
Us Weekly
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