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Rebecca Gayheart decided to retract her divorce request from Eric Dane after he was diagnosed with ALS, aiming to demonstrate to their children the importance of “showing up for family.”
During an appearance on the “Broad Ideas” podcast last November, the actress elaborated on her choice. By halting the divorce proceedings, she intended to teach their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, the significance of supporting family members, even during challenging times.
“We tell them, ‘We show up for people no matter what. He is our family. He is your father,’” Gayheart explained.
As a mother of two, she emphasized that despite the difficulties and emotional struggles following Dane’s diagnosis, her priority was ensuring her daughters felt “cared for” and supported.
Gayheart and Dane were married in 2004, and after 13 years together, the “Jawbreaker” actress initially filed for divorce in 2018.
Last March, they called off their divorce after seven years of separation. One month later, the “Grey’s Anatomy” star went public with his ALS diagnosis.
During the November interview, Gayheart, 54, also detailed their “super complicated” dynamic and admitted that she wasn’t sure if she was handling the situation “the wrong way or right way” by withdrawing the filing.
“I’m just showing up and trying to be there for [my kids]. I guess time will tell,” she said.
In a vulnerable essay for The Cut published last December, Gayheart said her and Dane’s “love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love.”
She also clarified that the two “haven’t lived in the same home for eight years.”
Gayheart addressed that they both have had romantic relationships with other people — she’s been linked to billionaire Peter Morton and he dated filmmaker Janell Shirtcliff last June — but they regularly see each other for family gatherings.
“This year, the girls and I have spent a lot of time at Eric’s house, which is about a 12-minute drive away from our home,” the essay continued. “We have a lot of meals together. We do a lot of drop-by visits — well, I don’t just drop by. I always call and say, ‘I’m coming up the hill’ or ‘I’m dropping Georgia off.’”
Dane passed away on Thursday, 10 months after announcing his ALS diagnosis. He was 53 years old.
Dane’s family shared in a statement to People, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.”
“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,” the statement continued. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.”