Rebecca Gayheart Reflects on the Ups and Downs of Her Relationship with Eric Dane Before Their Separation
Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017.
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NEED TO KNOW
- Rebecca Gayheart reflects on her relationship with Eric Dane prior to their divorce filing in February 2018, describing chaotic times.
- In a recent essay, she stated, “Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love.”
- Gayheart also addressed their family’s support amid Dane’s recent diagnosis of ALS.
Rebecca Gayheart is shedding light on her complex relationship with Eric Dane. In an essay for The Cut, published on December 29, the actress discussed how their bond has transformed over the years.
“Eric and I have known each other for a million years now,” Gayheart, 54, wrote. “I care about him deeply. We had a really lovely marriage for a long time — we were married for 15 years — we created two beautiful girls.”
The couple married in 2004, just under a year after their first meeting. They welcomed their first daughter, Billie Beatrice, in 2010, followed by a second daughter, Georgia Geraldine, in 2011.
Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane at the Butterfly Ball on June 5, 2010.
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Gayheart filed for divorce in February 2018 but later requested to dismiss the petition in March 2025. Reflecting on the tumultuous months leading to their separation, she stated, “Lots of s— went crazy in our relationship, and it wasn’t good.” The couple had been living apart for eight years; both have since dated other people.
Despite their separation, she has remained supportive of Dane, especially in light of his recent diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him,” she affirmed. “That I’m going to do my best to do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me.”
Gayheart emphasized the importance of modeling compassion and commitment for their daughters. “Whatever I can do or however I can show up to make this journey better for him or easier for him, I want to do that,” she said.
While navigating the challenges of caregiving and the healthcare system, Gayheart also identified positive aspects of their situation. “Spending all this time together, it’s all been really positive,” she reflected. “And hopefully, what they see instead are two adults who are trying to be mature and focus on what’s important.”
