Rebecca Gayheart shared an update on how her teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, are doing, seven months after their father was born Eric Dane‘s death.
“You know, we’re hanging in there. I think it’s definitely a challenging season, but we’re doing the best we can,” Gayheart, 55, said People on the red carpet for Step Up’s 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards on Friday, September 25 in Los Angeles. “The girls are both in high school – which is also a big transition under any circumstances – so I’m just staying close to my kids.”
Dane’s family confirmed this Us in February that the former Grey’s Anatomy The actor died almost a year after he went public about his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with ALS,” his family’s statement said. “He 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. During his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for education and research, determined to make a difference for others struggling with the same struggle. He will be deeply missed and will always be fondly remembered. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the love and support he received. The family has requested privacy requested as they navigate this impossible time.”
Rebecca Gayheart supports Eric Dane with his health problems despite their separation. Gayheart, 54, teaches daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, that “we’re here for people no matter what,” while Dane, 53, copes with his new normal with ALS. “He is our family. He is your father,” Gayheart said during her Monday, November (…)
Us confirmed later that month that Dane died of respiratory failure with ALS as the underlying cause.
In the months since Dane’s death, Gayheart celebrated her family’s first Father’s Day without a star and represented her late husband at their daughter Georgia’s middle school graduation.
In conversation with People on Friday, the Nip/Tuck The actress spoke about how she is dealing with her own grief over the loss of Dane. (Dane and Gayheart were living separately at the time of his death, but never divorced. At the end of his life, Dane had a relationship with a photographer Janell Shirtcliff while Gayheart has been linked to the co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe Peter Morton.)
“(I connect with) friends. My kids,” she said at the Hollywood gala. “Being under the same roof with my kids and having them by my safe side always makes me feel better. You know, there are certain people I like to talk to to express my feelings, but basically it’s just – again – the connection with other people. That’s what gets me through.”
Rebecca Gayheart is still mourning the death of Eric Dane. “There are no words,” Gayheart, 54, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, March 18. “All our love forever – your girls ❤️🩹❤️.” The Jawbreakers actress, who was married to Dane from 2004 to 2018, uploaded a montage of throwback photos of the couple and their two (…).
Earlier this month, Gayheart called on Dane’s fans to encourage their members of Congress to pass the ACT for ALS Act, which she said would “provide $500 million for ALS research, access to treatments and hope for families struggling with this disease.” (Separate versions of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act have passed in the House and Senate, but a final unified bill has not yet been sent to the President Donald Trump for approval.)
“Please help us ensure that Congress does not further delay passage of this legislation,” she said. “Click the link to sign the petition or share with a friend. … Passing this petition would mean the world to my family.”
Gayheart and Dane were married from 2004 to 2018. Gayheart filed for divorce in February 2018, but ultimately withdrew her application in 2025 following her ex’s ALS diagnosis.
