Did Eric Dane & Rebecca Gayheart Reconcile? Here’s Everything We Know After His Shock Death at 53
Tragically, beloved TV star Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, and Charmed, has passed away at the age of 53 from his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
He first revealed his diagnosis in April 2025, and on June 16, he opened up about his battle with the incurable disease in a sit-down with Diane Sawyer for Good Morning America. In the interview, in which he revealed he’s lost function in his right arm, Dane and Sawyer provided some clarity on his marriage to fellow actress Rebecca Gayheart.
For those who don’t know, Dane and Gayheart got married in 2004 after less than a year together. During their marriage, they welcomed two daughters together, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 14.
In 2018, after 14 years of marriage, Gayheart filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and “TBD” as their separation.
“After 14 years together, we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family,” Dane said in a statement to People at the time. “We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls, as they are the most important thing in the world to us. We kindly ask that you respect our privacy during this time as we navigate the next phase of our lives.”
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But, in March 2025, well into Dane’s ALS journey, Gayheart requested to dismiss the divorce, with many asking why.
Did Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane Get Back Together in 2025?
Dane and the Jawbreaker alum were separated, but didn’t divorce. She noted multiple times that she wanted to be there to help Dane amid his diagnosis.
When introducing Gayheart in the previously mentioned interview, Sawyer said, “The couple once separated, but now are close.”
When asked about their connection, Dane got emotional. “I talk to her every day,” he said. “We have managed to become better friends and better parents, and she is my — probably my biggest champion. My most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her.”
On the Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen podcast in late 2025, Gayheart revealed that she also stayed to show their daughters “that we show up for people no matter what.”
“And he is our family, he is your father. We show up and we try to do it with some dignity and some grace and just get through it, and that we will get through it the best we can,” she said. “I mean, it’s super complicated for me.”
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She added, “I think one piece of this that I hope I’m passing to my kids is the idea that you can show up for someone and be there for them, but you also have to show up for yourself, and that this is life. Life, sadly, is just moments, good and bad, strung together. There’s gonna be good ones, there’s gonna be bad ones, there’s gonna be exciting ones, it’s gonna be really sad.”
Were Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane Dating Other People?
Shortly after his interview with Sawyer, Dane made his red carpet debut with his girlfriend, filmmaker Janell Shirtcliff. The two attended the premiere of Dane’s new show Countdown, side by side. The two, per Entertainment Tonight, have been on and off for the past three years.
“The two have been in an on-and-off relationship for over three years and care deeply for each other,” the source said. “Eric asked Janell to be there for him during this time, and she wanted to show up for him.”
As for Gayheart, she’s been romantically linked to Hard Rock co-founder Peter Morton since 2023.
Before you go, click here to see celebrity exes who will always be friends.