Rebecca Gayheart reveals the reality of Eric Dane’s ALS battle

Rebecca Gayheart has spoken candidly about supporting her former husband, Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane, as he lives with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sharing intimate details of the early warning signs, the emotional strain and the reality of round-the-clock care.

In an interview and personal essay for The Cut, Gayheart said the first signs of something being wrong emerged during ordinary family moments. Dane began complaining that his hand felt “off”, later struggling with tasks such as using chopsticks and repeatedly dropping food. The changes were subtle at first but unsettling enough to prompt medical visits.

Early appointments brought confusion rather than clarity, with doctors initially offering explanations that failed to fully account for his symptoms. Despite those reassurances, Dane sensed something more serious was unfolding. Gayheart recalled trying to comfort him at the time, convinced it would be fine, before the diagnosis eventually confirmed ALS.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It gradually robs patients of muscle control, impacting movement, speech and, eventually, breathing. There is currently no cure.

‘Locked in’ to care

Gayheart said that since the diagnosis, her focus has shifted entirely to ensuring Dane receives the care he needs. She revealed that he now has 24-hour nursing support at home, after prolonged and emotionally draining battles with insurance providers.

She described the process of navigating the healthcare system as exhausting, saying repeated applications for home nursing care were initially denied before eventually being approved after multiple appeals. When nursing shifts are not covered, Gayheart said she often steps in herself, balancing caregiving alongside raising their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

“There are moments when the system fails you,” she explained, describing her determination to keep pushing until Dane’s care was secured.

Family beyond marriage

Although Gayheart and Dane are no longer married, she said their relationship has evolved into a deep, enduring familial bond. The pair, who separated several years ago, continue to prioritise stability, honesty and time together with their children as the disease progresses.

That sense of family, she said, has become even more important in the absence of a clear roadmap for ALS. While some people have struggled to remain present, others have stepped in when asked, reinforcing the value of community during moments of crisis.

Dane has continued working amid his diagnosis and recently appeared in Brilliant Minds, portraying a firefighter living with ALS. Speaking previously on Good Morning America, he said he does not see the diagnosis as the end of his story.

For Gayheart, the priority remains showing up. She said her goal is to make the journey as manageable as possible for Dane, centring care, dignity and family in the face of a disease that continues to reshape their lives.