Gayheart Says Family Hanging in There Seven Months After Dane Death

Rebecca Gayheart spoke to People at Step Up's 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles on September 25, 2026, and said she and her teenage daughters are hanging in there seven months after Eric Dane died. Dane died February 19, 2026, at age 53 from respiratory failure with ALS as the underlying cause. Their daughters are Billie Beatrice, 16, and Georgia Geraldine, 14. Gayheart called it a challenging season as both girls adjust to high school and said she is staying close to her kids. Gayheart said friends and her children help her cope and that being connected to other human beings gets her through. A family statement said Dane spent his final days with friends, his wife, and his daughters. Gayheart has asked fans to push Congress to pass the ACT for ALS Bill, which she said would provide $500 million for ALS research and treatment access. Separate House and Senate versions have passed, but no unified bill has been sent to President Trump.