Rebecca Gayheart Fights for Eric Dane’s ALS Care Amid Challenges

Rebecca Gayheart has taken significant steps to ensure her estranged husband, Eric Dane, receives the necessary care following his recent diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In a personal essay published in The Cut on December 29, 2023, Gayheart shared insights into their “very complicated relationship” while revealing that the former stars of Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria now require “24/7 nurses.”

Securing around-the-clock care for Dane proved to be a challenging endeavor. Gayheart recounted an interaction with an insurance representative, who stated, “You can keep applying, and I’ll keep denying.” Determined to support Dane, Gayheart described her commitment: “I made it my mission. I was ‘locked in,’ as the kids would say. I crashed out, and then I locked it in. And we got it approved after two appeals.”

Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics

Although Gayheart and Dane have been separated for eight years and share two teenage daughters, their bond remains strong. The couple filed for divorce in 2018, but Gayheart dismissed the filing in March 2025, shortly before Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis.

ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a gradual loss of muscle control. Currently, there is no cure for this debilitating condition.

In her essay, Gayheart explained the complexities of their relationship: “We haven’t lived in the same home for eight years; he’s dated other people, I’ve dated someone. Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love.” She emphasized her commitment to supporting Dane, stating, “Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him. That I’m going to do my best to do right by him.”

Day-to-Day Care and Support

Gayheart detailed the logistics of Dane’s weekly care, which is divided into 21 shifts. When some shifts cannot be filled, she steps in to help. Recently, she was unable to cover a 12-hour shift and had to reach out to two of Dane’s friends, one of whom had never cared for him in that capacity before. She expressed her gratitude for their willingness to assist, saying, “They both showed up and did a wonderful job.”

Despite facing challenges and a lack of support from some individuals in her life, Gayheart remains resilient. She noted, “Most people are not great in this situation because it’s so heavy. It’s not easy for people. So I don’t hold any grudges toward who hasn’t shown up.”

Through her heartfelt reflections, Gayheart highlights the importance of compassion and familial love in navigating the complexities of illness and personal relationships. Her determination to ensure that Dane receives the best care possible serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of family bonds, even in the face of adversity.