Actress Rebecca Gayheart has provided a poignant and intimate look into the "complicated" relationship she maintains with her ex-husband, actor Eric Dane, following his devastating ALS diagnosis. In a candid essay for The Cut, the former Beverly Hills, 90210 star describes how their lives remain deeply intertwined as they navigate his progressive illness together as a family.
A Familial Bond Beyond Romance
Gayheart, who was married to the Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star from 2004 until their separation, made a powerful declaration about their current dynamic. "Eric and I are not a couple; we’re family," she wrote, "and we’re facing his ALS diagnosis, and what comes next, together." The couple, who share two daughters—Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14—finalized their divorce after filing in 2018 and have not lived together for eight years.
Despite their separation and other relationships—Dane has dated others, and Gayheart has been linked to billionaire Peter Morton—their priority is now unified. Gayheart emphasized that their love is now familial, not romantic, and that they are focused on making the most of the time Dane has. "I want to take advantage of the time that he has right now," she expressed.
The Fight for 24/7 Care
One of the most striking parts of Gayheart's essay details her relentless advocacy for Dane's medical care. She took charge of his case and battled insurance companies to secure the necessary support. She recounted a particularly frustrating exchange where an insurance representative told her, "You can keep applying, and I’ll keep denying." Gayheart's response was determined: "I was like, ‘Oh? F that.’ I made it my mission. I was ‘locked in,’ as the kids would say."
Her persistence paid off after two appeals, and Dane now has 24/7 nursing care. Gayheart steps in to cover during any gaps in shift coverage, ensuring her ex-husband is never without support. She regularly drives the 12 minutes to his home with their daughters for meals and visits, maintaining a consistent family presence in his life.
Modeling Resilience for Their Daughters
Central to Gayheart's actions is setting an example for their two teenage girls. She is committed to showing them how to handle adversity with grace and compassion. "That’s what you do. That’s the right thing to do," she said, explaining her philosophy. She hopes the girls see "a softer side" of their parents working together, though she is clear there is no romantic reunion in the cards.
"They understand the reality of the situation," Gayheart noted. "And hopefully, what they see instead are two adults who are trying to be mature and focus on what’s important." Dane, who publicly revealed his diagnosis in an interview with People magazine in April 2025, had initially hoped to return to filming Euphoria. Gayheart's essay paints a picture of a family unit recalibrating around his needs, demonstrating that their commitment to each other transcends their marital status.
"Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him," Gayheart concluded. "That I’m going to do my best to do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me."
