Rebecca Gayheart Reflects on Marriage “Success” Just Before Eric Dane’s ALS Diagnosis Announcement

Just a day before Eric Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis, his wife Rebecca Gayheart opened up about the strength of their relationship and their united front as a family — marking a heartfelt moment in what appears to be a renewed chapter for the couple.

Speaking with E! News on Wednesday, the Jawbreaker actress, 51, praised their bond as “a huge success,” even after years of separation and a divorce filing that she recently moved to dismiss. Gayheart described her relationship with the Grey’s Anatomy alum as one built on enduring friendship and effective co-parenting.

“We really figured out the formula to staying a family,” Gayheart shared. “I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it, and we are as well.”

The couple, who married in 2004, share two daughters — Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. Gayheart emphasized that relationships don’t have to follow traditional trajectories to be considered meaningful or successful.

“I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure,” she said. “It’s just a season. It wasn’t a failure. It was a huge success. We were married for — I mean, we are still married — but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids. So I think that’s a successful relationship.”

Her comments come shortly after she filed in March to dismiss her 2018 divorce petition, signaling a possible reconciliation or reaffirmation of their family unit.

The next day, Dane, 52, publicly announced that he has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease famously associated with baseball legend Lou Gehrig. Speaking to People, Dane expressed his gratitude for the support of his family during this challenging period.

“I feel grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” said Dane, who is also set to return for the third season of HBO’s award-winning series Euphoria.