Why Did Eric Dane's Wife, Rebecca Gayheart Call Off Their Divorce After 7 Years Of Legal Battle?

Eric Dane is mainly remembered as 'McSteamy' from Grey's Anatomy. After that, he has worked in a blockbuster, The Last Ship. While his professional life has been filled with roses, his personal life has had its share of ups and downs. Currently, he is in the spotlight, ever since he spoke about his ALS condition, and fighting through it till the last breath. Amidst it, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart's, contribution seems quite big as she had called off their divorce a day before he announced his ALS diagnosis. 

Eric Dane and Rebecca's marriage

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who is also a famous actress, got married in Las Vegas on October 29, 2004. The couple embraced parenthood with the arrival of their first daughter in 2010 and later their second baby girl in 2011. After which, Eric Dane referred to himself as a fortunate guy as he didn't have a family earlier. Talking about their love story, Rebecca Gayheart revealed that the early days of their relationship were incredibly dull. One day, he asked her if she wanted to go out with him, and she replied, 'Yes.' Ten months later, they got married. 

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart's tough marital years

While they had a lovely family, things were never easy for them. In 2011, Eric went to rehab as he was addicted to painkillers to treat his sports injury. Reflecting on the time, he called it a 'mistake' and expressed remorse for how it had made his wife, Rebecca, suffer. In an interview with People, Eric shared:

"My one regret is that I got the person I love most wrapped up in all that: Rebecca. I honestly think I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be at this moment in time. And I’m really happy."

Rebecca Gayheart filed for divorce from Dane after 14 years of togetherness

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart had an extremely loving marriage, but despite it, they decided to part ways. In February 2018, Rebecca filed for divorce from Dane. Eric stated that after 14 years of marriage, ending their marriage was the best decision they could make for their family. However, they would continue with their friendship and work as a team to co-parent their daughters. In an interview with People, Rebecca said:

"There’s a new normal for me and my family. And it’s taken us a little bit to get that down. Not going to lie, it hasn’t been easy. But I think what’s exciting is what’s ahead because there are so many different things that could happen now. I mean, we have so many options, and the good news is my kids are happy and healthy."

Rebecca Gayheart called off her divorce from Eric Dane due to his ALS diagnosis?

After seven years of legal battle in court, Rebecca Gayheart requested to dismiss the petition without prejudice in March 2025. It seems that since the two shared a great friendship and were successful as co-parents of their daughter, they made the decision, despite initially filing for divorce in 2018 due to irreconcilable differences. 

During an interview with E! News, Rebecca revealed that they have been really close and great co-parents. She stated that their relationship hadn't failed and called it a successful one. She was quoted as saying:

“We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great co-parents. I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. 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, and that's how we look at it."

However, a day later, Eric Dane announced his ALS diagnosis. He expressed gratitude that his loving family is by his side as he navigates the next chapter of his life. Eric shared that he is fortunate to be able to work and is looking forward to restarting his work. He even requested privacy during these challenging times.

For the unversed, ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The condition causes nerve cells to die, preventing them from sending signals to voluntary muscles, which leads to weakness, twitching, and eventual paralysis. Also, there is no cure yet for ALS. But treatments can help manage the symptoms from worsening. 

In an interview with People, Rebecca revealed that it has been a challenging experience for their family, but they are taking everything one day at a time. They are working with therapists all along. Erica and Rebecca also have two daughters, Billie, who is 15 years old, and Georgia, who is 13 years old. Rebecca shared that it is a tough time for them as their daughters are also suffering, and they are just trying to get through it.

The way Eric Dane's family stood by him during these difficult times is admirable and reflects their strong family values. 

Next Read: 'My Girls Are Suffering' Eric Dane's Wife Reveals Teenage Daughters' Condition After His ALS Battle

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