In a deeply personal reversal of a long-standing public split, actress Rebecca Gayheart withdrew her divorce filing from actor Eric Dane after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive neurological disease that ultimately claimed his life on Feb. 19, 2026 at age 53.
The couple — who had been legally separated for about eight years — originally married in 2004 and share two daughters, Billie (15) and Georgia (13). Gayheart’s decision to rescind the divorce petition in March 2025, just weeks before Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis, has been described by her as a choice rooted in family commitment and support rather than romantic reconciliation.
From Separation to Support
Gayheart initially filed for divorce from Dane back in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences after more than a decade together. Despite that filing, the divorce was never finalized. Over the years, the couple maintained a close co-parenting relationship, often spending time together with their daughters and remaining in each other’s lives even while living separately. The transition from estranged spouses to supportive family members was most visible after Dane’s ALS diagnosis was made public in April 2025. On the Broad Ideas podcast in late 2025, Gayheart explained that withdrawing the divorce was a conscious effort to show her children what “showing up for family” really means, even when it’s difficult. She emphasized that Dane “is our family… he is your father,” and that her choice was driven by a desire to set an example for their daughters during a painful time. Though they had long stopped living together — reportedly only about a 12-minute drive separated their homes — the pair still managed shared meals, visits, and support during Dane’s illness. Gayheart has described their dynamic as complicated and rooted in familial love rather than romantic connection.
A Shift in Relationship Dynamics
While the divorce filing was formally dismissed, the couple’s relationship in later years was defined more by friendship, parenting, and partnership through hardship than by reconciliation in the traditional sense. Dane himself publicly spoke about their bond in mid-2025, referring to his wife as a key source of support after his health struggles became known. In an interview that year, he noted that they had become “better friends and better parents” and that Gayheart was among his strongest champions. Although they had lived apart for many years, both remained actively involved in their daughters’ lives. The focus on family unity — even without a romantic relationship — reflected a broader commitment to co-parenting and mutual respect during Dane’s battle with ALS.
Legacy and Family Priorities
Dane’s death in February 2026 marked the end of his courageous public fight with ALS. In statements at the time, representatives said he spent his final days surrounded by family and close friends, with Gayheart and their daughters by his side. In the aftermath, Gayheart and others have emphasized the importance of compassion and support in the face of terminal illness. Her choice to withdraw the divorce — even after years of separation — is widely seen as a testament to that commitment, underscoring how life’s hardest moments can reshape priorities and relationships. As the family continues to grieve, the story of their complicated but enduring bond stands out as a powerful reminder that love and support can take many forms — and that, for them, family always came first.
