Inside Eric Dane’s life post-ALS diagnosis

Rebecca Gayheart has opened up about the intense and emotional reality of caring for her ex-husband, Eric Dane.

The actress shares a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes battle as he lives with it ALS and what it took to ensure he received round-the-clock medical support.

In an open personal essay for The Cut, the 54-year-old shared how she stepped into a caring role following his diagnosis, revealing that “Eric now has 24/7 nurses.”

What is ALS?

Eric, 52, publicly confirmed in April that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

ALS is a progressive neurological condition that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, gradually limiting a person's ability to move, speak, eat and breathe independently.

While some treatments can slow the progression of the disease, there is currently no cure.

Talking to Diane Sawyer for Good morning America in June, Eric said that his symptoms began about a year and a half earlier, when he noticed weakness in his right hand.

He added at the time: “My left side is working, my right side has completely stopped working … I feel like maybe a few more months, and I won't have my left hand either. It's sobering.”

How does Rebecca Gayheart help Eric Dane?

Although the former couple split in 2018, Rebecca – who once described their relationship as “super complicated” – has taken the lead in managing Dane's medical needs.

She explained that his care schedule is divided into 21 separate nursing shifts, and if coverage falls through, she steps in herself.

“There are times when shifts aren't covered, so I cover them,” she said. “There was a 12-hour break recently that I couldn't cover. I was only able to do four hours because of all the stuff the kids do.”

Rebecca shares daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, with the Euphoria actor.

How long were Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart married?

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart were married for 14 years, tying the knot in 2004 before divorcing in 2018.

The former couple have spoken openly about the challenges they faced during their marriage, including Eric's struggles with addiction and the pressures of balancing family life with demanding careers.

Despite their divorce, the couple have remained closely connected while co-parenting their two daughters.

In March 2025, just one month before Eric publicly shared his ALS diagnosis, Rebecca filed for divorce.

During an interview with E! shortly after, Rebecca confirmed that she and Eric are still married and “the best of friends.”

During a performance at the Broad ideas podcast, Rebecca said, “I definitely try to watch [my daughters] that we show in front of people no matter what. And he is our family, he is your father.”

What has been the hardest part for Rebecca Gayheart?

Rebecca explained that navigating the health care system quickly became one of her biggest challenges.

Despite the urgent need for home nursing care, she said the insurance approval process was far from simple.

“Only finding out that the health care system is its own thing — the health insurance company will deny you what you ask for and you have to appeal and then you have to reapply,” she wrote.

She recalled a particularly frustrating exchange when she tried to secure home nursing services: “the woman from his insurance said to me, 'You can keep applying, and I'll keep denying,' I was like, 'Oh? F that.' I made it my mission.”

After two formal appeals, Rebecca finally succeeded. “We got it approved after two appeals,” she shared.

Who else stepped up to help?

When she couldn't manage a full shift on her own, Rebecca reached out to Eric's friends—even though it wasn't an easy ask.

“I had to appeal to two of Eric's friends, one of whom had never really cared for him in that way. I thought, 'I can't believe I had to ask someone to do this.'

Her fears were soon allayed.

“And of course when I asked for help, they said, 'Yeah, what, what do you need? What's going on?' And they both came up and did a wonderful job.”

What does Rebecca think of those who don't help Eric?

Not everyone in Rebecca's life has been able to see in the same way, which she admits was difficult to process.

“There are a lot of people who used to be more present in my life that I think about and wonder, 'Where did they go?'”

She said she has worked through those feelings in therapy, coming to a place of understanding.

“I've talked to my therapist a lot about it,” she shared, adding that she's realized “most people aren't great in this situation because it's so difficult.”

Finally, the actress said that she has no grudges.

“It's not easy for people,” she explained. “I don't hold a grudge against that [anyone] which has not come up.”

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