Rebecca Gayheart guides her kids after Eric Dane's death

The actress is helping her teenage daughters process their grief over the 'Grey's Anatomy' star's passing.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:09am

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Rebecca Gayheart, the wife of the late actor Eric Dane, is opening up about how she and her two daughters are coping with his death. Dane, known for his role on 'Grey's Anatomy', passed away last month at the age of 53 due to ALS. Gayheart says she is doing her best to guide her daughters, Billie and Georgia, through the grieving process, reminding them that Dane 'is not gone' and that they can still talk to him in spirit.

Why it matters

Gayheart's story highlights the challenges families face when dealing with the loss of a loved one, especially for children who are processing grief at a young age. It also sheds light on the potential of AI technology, like voice cloning, to help preserve the legacies of those who have passed.

The details

Gayheart and Dane were married in 2004 but separated in 2018, though they never divorced and continued to co-parent their two daughters. After Dane's death from ALS, Gayheart says she is reminding her girls that he 'is not gone' and that they can still connect with him in spirit. She is also trying to honor Dane's memory by talking about the strength and compassion he showed in facing his illness. One of the more difficult aspects was the loss of Dane's voice, but Gayheart is hopeful that the AI voice cloning technology developed by ElevenLabs will be part of his lasting legacy.

  • Eric Dane passed away last month at the age of 53.
  • Gayheart and Dane were married in 2004 but separated in 2018.

The players

Rebecca Gayheart

The wife of the late actor Eric Dane, who is helping her two teenage daughters cope with his death.

Eric Dane

The 'Grey's Anatomy' actor who passed away last month at the age of 53 due to ALS.

Billie

Gayheart and Dane's 15-year-old daughter.

Georgia

Gayheart and Dane's 14-year-old daughter.

ElevenLabs

The company that developed the AI voice cloning technology that could have helped preserve Dane's voice.

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What they’re saying

“I'm doing the best I can.”

— Rebecca Gayheart (TODAY.com)

“We're trying to honor him every day. I know the girls are excited about the voice initiative that they're doing because this is going to be part of Eric's legacy.”

— Rebecca Gayheart (TODAY.com)

“He's not gone. He's still here. You can still talk to him. He's with you, even though he's not here physically. He's with you in spirit and soul.”

— Rebecca Gayheart (TODAY.com)

What’s next

Gayheart and her daughters are hopeful that the AI voice cloning technology developed by ElevenLabs will help preserve Dane's legacy and allow them to continue hearing his voice.

The takeaway

Gayheart's story highlights the importance of open communication, cherishing memories, and embracing technology to help families cope with the loss of a loved one, especially for children navigating the complexities of grief.