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Rebecca Gayheart shared an update on how her teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, are coping seven months after their dad Eric Dane’s death.
“You know, we’re hanging in there. I think it’s definitely a challenging season, but we’re doing our best,” Gayheart, 55, told People on the red carpet for Step Up’s 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles on Friday, September 25. “The girls are both in high school — which is also a big transition under any circumstance — so I’m just staying close to my kids.”
Dane’s family confirmed to Us in February that the former Grey’s Anatomy actor had died just shy of one year after going public with his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family’s statement read. “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. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Us confirmed later that month that Dane died from respiratory failure with ALS as an underlying cause.
In the months since Dane’s death, Gayheart commemorated her family’s first Father’s Day without the star and represented her late husband at their daughter Georgia’s middle-school graduation.
Speaking to People on Friday, the Nip/Tuck actress spoke about how she’s dealing with her own grief over losing Dane. (Dane and Gayheart were separated at the time of his death, but they never divorced. At the end of his life, Dane was in a relationship with photographer Janell Shirtcliff while Gayheart has been linked to Hard Rock Cafe cofounder Peter Morton.)
“[I connect with] friends. My children,” she said at the Hollywood gala. “Being under the same roof with my kids and having them next to me, safe, always makes me feel better. You know, there’s certain people I like to talk to get my feelings out, but really just — again — being connected to other human beings. That’s what gets me through.”
Earlier this month, Gayheart asked Dane’s fans to encourage their members of Congress to pass the ACT for ALS Bill, which she said would “provide $500 million for ALS research, treatment access and hope for families battling this disease.” (Separate versions of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act have passed in the House of Representatives and Senate, though a final unified bill has not yet been sent to President Donald Trump for approval.)
“Please help us make sure that Congress does not continue to delay the passing of this bill,” she stated. “Click the link to sign the petition or share it with a friend. … Getting this passed 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 petition in 2025 following her ex’s ALS diagnosis.
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