Eric Dane is leaning heavily on the support of his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, as he continues his public battle with ALS — a devastating neurological disease that has dramatically altered the life of the former Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star (People Magazine).

Gayheart, 54, spoke candidly during Monday’s episode of the “Broad Ideas” podcast, sharing how she and the former couple’s two daughters — Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13 — are navigating the emotional and practical realities of Dane’s illness.

“We show up for people, no matter what”

Gayheart said she has been focusing on teaching her daughters the importance of compassion and responsibility during difficult circumstances.

“I’m definitely trying to show them that we show up for people no matter what,” she explained.
“He is our family. He is your father. We show up, and we try to do it with some dignity and some grace… and we will get through it the best we can.”

Her comments highlight a deep sense of commitment, even as the family continues to work through long-standing issues behind the scenes (The Hollywood Reporter).

Rebecca Gayheart on the “Broad Ideas” podcast.Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen/Youtube

A complex relationship despite reconciliation attempts

Although Gayheart filed for divorce from Dane in 2018, she moved to dismiss the proceedings earlier this year — a surprising development that came just weeks before Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis (Variety).

Still, Gayheart acknowledged that their dynamic remains layered:

“We’ve been separated for eight years. The kids live with me 100 percent of the time,” she said.
“There’s been lots of… other stuff. It’s super complicated.”

Despite this, she emphasized her determination to remain hopeful.

“I try to stay optimistic. I’m trying to role-model how to go through something like this, which is really hard.”

Gayheart also admitted the emotional toll has been significant.

“I don’t know if I’m doing it well or not. I’m just showing up and trying to be there for them. Time will tell.”

She added that Billie and Georgia are “good girls who are just going through a lot.”

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart attend the 43rd AFI Life Achievement Award Gala in June 2015.

Eric Dane’s diagnosis and struggle with ALS

Dane, 52, announced in April that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a rare, degenerative neurological disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and paralysis (NBC News).

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS has no cure, and the average life expectancy following diagnosis can range from two to five years, though some people live much longer (The Guardian – Health).

By June, Dane had begun using a wheelchair and gave an emotional interview on “Good Morning America.”

“I talk to her every day,” he said of Gayheart.
“We’ve managed to become better friends and better parents. She is my biggest champion… my most stalwart supporter. I lean on her.”

Gayheart: “This is not a dress rehearsal — this is life”

On the podcast, Gayheart reflected on the personal growth she has experienced amid Dane’s health crisis.

“It’s all very humbling,” she shared.
“One thing I hope I’m teaching my kids is that you can show up for someone and be there for them, but you also have to show up for yourself.”

She added:

“Life is just moments of good and bad strung together. You never know what you’re going to get. We should treat today as a really special day.”
“This isn’t a dress rehearsal. This is it. Whatever we’re doing right now — this is our life.”

A family moving forward together

Though Dane and Gayheart’s relationship has been marked by separation, reconciliation attempts, and emotional complexity, both continue to emphasize their shared commitment to co-parenting and supporting each other through crisis.

Their story, unfolding publicly but handled with increasing openness, has resonated with fans of both actors and sparked broader conversations about caregiving, chronic illness, and family resilience (Los Angeles Times).