After Eric Dane passed away from ALS, Rebecca Gayheart posted a heartfelt message to supporters, saying, “You guys are really supporting us.”
Eric Dane, who played McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy, dies
Eric Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, passed away at the age of 53 after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Eric Dane’s wife Rebecca Gayheart emotionally acknowledged the love she receives from friends, family and fans.
“I am so touched by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” she wrote on her Instagram Story early Sunday morning, February 22nd. “Words cannot express our gratitude enough. You are truly supporting us during this difficult time.”
She paired the message with a framed family photo of the couple and their daughters, Billy, 15, and Georgia, 13, and a snapshot of a makeshift memorial lined with white flowers and lit votive candles.
She also shared a series of tributes from others in her Stories, including photos of Dane before and after he was diagnosed with ALS, including him vacationing with children, playing with baby farm animals, and using a wheelchair.
Dane, 53, passed away on February 19, less than a year after publicly announcing her battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy” star and Gayheart, 54, had been separated for years, but remained married while the star battled ALS. They had two children, Billy, 15, and Georgia, 13.
His death was announced in a statement provided to USA TODAY. “It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement said. “He spent his final days surrounded by his beloved friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia. They were the center of his world.
“Through his battle with ALS, Eric was a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same battle.
“He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered with fondness,” the statement concluded. “Eric loves his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he has received. His family requests privacy as they work through this impossible time.”
The two actors married in 2004 and filed for divorce in 2018. Three years later, before Dane made his diagnosis public, Gayheart legally dismissed the divorce.
In December, Gayheart wrote about their unusual relationship in an essay for The Cut.
“We have not lived in the same house for 8 years. He has dated other people and I have dated others,” Gayheart wrote. “It’s a very complicated relationship and one that confuses people. Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a family love.”
She added, “Eric knows that I always want the best for him. I’m going to do my best to do what’s right for him, and I know he’ll do the same for me.”
Contributors: Brian Alexander, Taylor Ardley, Edward Segarra, Taijuan Moorman
