Eric Dane’s posthumous memoir reveals the emotional phone call he shared with his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, after learning he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In an excerpt from “My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” the late Grey’s Anatomy star recalled calling Gayheart immediately after receiving his diagnosis.
Although the couple had separated and filed for divorce years earlier, they had remained close and continued raising their two daughters together: “I say to Rebecca on the phone, ‘It’s what we feared.’ I don’t remember a single word I said after that.”
The actor described the moment as an overwhelming shock, while Gayheart cried on the other end of the phone.
Dane’s memoir offers a personal look into how the diagnosis affected both of them and how their relationship continued to evolve through his illness.
The emotional phone call
Eric Dane said Gayheart was the first person he called after his diagnosis. BY: MIRROR/YOUTUBE
Dane wrote that he remembered feeling “a violent impact, like getting the wind knocked out of me” after telling Gayheart about his diagnosis, per Just Jared.
He recalled that she was “wailing on the other end of the phone” before he also broke down in tears.
He said Gayheart reassured him that she would remain by his side: “I’m here, we’ll fight this together, I’m not going anywhere.”
This shows how their support for one another continued despite being separated.
Estranged couple remained close after separation
Eric Dane was a part of Grey’s anatomy. BY: GOOD MORNING AMERICA/YOUTUBE
Dane and Gayheart married in 2004 and had two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 after 14 years of marriage, but the paperwork was never finalized.
In the memoir, Dane explained that they had grown apart but continued co-parenting, taking family vacations and spending time together.
He wrote, “We’ve since stayed close, co-parenting, going on vacations as a family, spending time together and now we talk every day.”
Dane also acknowledged that his demanding work schedule and struggles with addiction had affected their relationship.
Actor says his daughters became his purpose
Eric Dane said his daughters became his purpose. BY: PEOPLE/YOUTUBE
Dane also wrote about his determination to face ALS while being there for his daughters: “I’m going to take this on. I’m going to fight. I’m going to show my girls how to walk through this life with grace and dignity, no matter what.”
He added, “This has become my purpose. My reason. This is now my job.”
Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. He died at age 53 on February 19, 2026, after battling the disease.
“My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments” is scheduled for release on November 3.
The book shares the actor’s reflections on his career, personal struggles, family, and final days.