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Rebecca Gayheart Shares ‘Real Luxuries’ Message Amid Eric Dane’s ALS Diagnosis
Amid news of actor Eric Dane’s amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, his wife Rebecca Gayheart has conveyed a poignant message regarding life’s genuine treasures. The Grey’s Anatomy star recently revealed his diagnosis of ALS, an incurable neurodegenerative condition, prompting Gayheart’s reflective social media post.
Decades-Long Relationship and Unfinalized Divorce
Gayheart and Dane, who wed in 2004, share two daughters – Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. Though Gayheart initiated divorce proceedings in 2018, the separation was never finalized. Just last month, she officially requested to dismiss the divorce petition.
Dane’s ALS Announcement and Gayheart’s Reflective Post
This week, Dane, 52, publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, progressively impairs the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. The prognosis for ALS varies, with approximately half of patients surviving three years post-diagnosis, while others live considerably longer.
Following Dane’s announcement, Gayheart, 53, shared an Instagram Story featuring a poem titled “The Real Luxuries in Life.”
Eric Dane ‘s wife Rebecca Gayheart has shared a haunting message about the ‘real luxuries in life,’ as he faces a struggle with ALS; the pair are pictured in 2018
The Poem’s List of Life’s True Values
The poem enumerated the following as life’s true luxuries:
- Time
- Health
- A quiet mind
- Slow mornings
- Ability to travel
- Rest without guilt
- A good night’s sleep
- Calm and “boring” days
- Meaningful conversations
- Home-cooked meals
- People you love
- People who love you back
Dane’s Statement and Continued Work
In a statement released on Thursday, Eric Dane confirmed his diagnosis, expressing gratitude for his “loving family” and their support during this challenging period. He added, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week.” Dane also requested privacy for himself and his family.
Understanding ALS: Symptoms and Progression
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is characterized by neurodegeneration, where motor neurons malfunction. While most individuals develop symptoms in their 60s, onset can occur earlier in rare instances.
Early and Advanced Symptoms of ALS
Initial symptoms may include limb weakness, swallowing difficulties, or slurred speech. As ALS progresses, individuals may experience:
- Falls
- Fatigue
- Loss of motor skills
- Uncontrollable laughing or crying
- Muscle twitching and cramping
One day after Eric, 52, went public with his illness, Rebecca, 53, posted a meme to her Insta Stories of a poem entitled The real luxuries in life
Rebecca and Eric tied the knot in 2004, two years before he landed his fan favorite role as Dr. Mark Sloan aka ‘McSteamy’ on Grey’s Anatomy (pictured)
Rebecca filed to dissolve their marriage of 14 years in 2018, but the pair have stayed notably amicable as they raise their daughters Billie, 14, and Georgia, 13; all pictured 2016
He shatteringly announced this week that he has been diagnosed with ALS, a rare and incurable degenerative condition; pictured last May
In advanced stages, ALS can lead to paralysis and difficulties with essential functions like swallowing and breathing.
Gayheart’s Prior Comments on Their Relationship
Eric Dane’s diagnosis announcement followed Rebecca Gayheart’s recent remarks describing them as “best of friends” and “great co-parents.” She highlighted their successful co-parenting dynamic, emphasizing the benefits for their children and themselves.
Gayheart previously expressed her view of their relationship not as a failure but as a “season” and a “huge success,” citing their 15 years together and two daughters as positive outcomes.
Divorce Dismissal and Relationship Timeline
Approximately a month prior, Eric and Rebecca surprised many by dismissing their divorce proceedings, which had been ongoing for seven years. Despite initiating divorce in 2018 after 14 years of marriage, they remained amicable while raising their daughters. The prolonged divorce process had faced potential dismissal warnings due to inactivity.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the pair were seen together with their children, prompting speculation about their relationship status. Prior to dismissing the divorce, both had been seen with other individuals – Dane with a younger actress and Gayheart with a business mogul.
Eric announced his diagnosis one day after Rebecca said they were ‘best of friends,’ adding that they were ‘really close’ and acted as ‘great coparents’
Eric and Billie are pictured in a 2022 snap that Rebecca posted to Instagram of a ‘family vacay’ they enjoyed in Europe together
Court documents indicated that Gayheart formally requested the divorce dismissal on March 5th, following a “final notice” regarding potential case dismissal due to inactivity earlier in January.
Prior to the dismissal, Dane had been seen with actress Priya Jain, sparking relationship rumors, while Gayheart attended a pre-Oscars party with Peter Morton in February.
Past Relationship Challenges and Support
Their marriage, which began in 2004 before Dane’s prominent role in Grey’s Anatomy, weathered earlier challenges, including a public scandal and Dane’s 2011 rehab stay for pain medication dependency. Gayheart stood by Dane through these personal difficulties, as well as his depression treatment in 2017.
Eric is pictured in a group shot for Grey’s Anatomy with his co-stars (from left) Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey and Sandra Oh
In 2018, Gayheart initially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and they agreed to joint custody with Dane providing alimony. Following the divorce filing, Gayheart expressed her intention to resume working and emphasized the importance of female financial independence to her daughters.
Despite the divorce proceedings, both publicly affirmed their commitment to co-parenting. However, the drawn-out legal process repeatedly faced warnings of potential dismissal, culminating in the recent dismissal request after preliminary financial information was exchanged in 2019.