In the months leading up to his passing, Eric Dane quietly made peace with someone from his recent past.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” star reconnected with ex-girlfriend Priya Jain as friends after their split last summer, according to Us Weekly. A source told the outlet that it became “more important for them to remain friends” following the breakup, signaling a shift in their relationship before his health declined.
Dane, who publicly shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, passed away on Feb. 19 at age 53 after a 10-month battle with the disease.
Finding Peace Before Goodbye
Dane and Jain reestablished communication in the months before his passing and were on good terms. The insider shared that Jain “didn’t think it would happen this quickly,” referencing the progression of his illness.
Per Us Weekly, a source added that Jain “has so much love” for Dane and described him as “such a special person.” She is also said to have “a lot of love for his family” and understands how difficult this moment is for his daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14. While reportedly devastated, she is said to be grateful that his daughters “exist to keep his memory alive.”
Dane and Jain dated for about one year after meeting in summer 2024 and becoming exclusive that November. Their breakup in June 2025 was described at the time as sudden. Page Six previously reported that Jain felt “blindsided” after Dane appeared at the Los Angeles premiere of “Countdown” with director Janell Shirtcliff. The former couple were last photographed together in May 2025.
Following Dane’s passing, Jain paid tribute to him on Instagram Stories, sharing black-and-white photos of the pair. “You truly were a black leather jacket in a world of tan cardigans,” she wrote, adding heart and dove emojis.
The People Who Stood By Him
Before his relationship with Jain, Dane remained closely connected to his wife Rebecca Gayheart. Although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, she called off the legal separation in March 2025 amid his health battle.
In April 2025, Gayheart revealed they were “best of friends” and strong coparents. Dane later described her on “Good Morning America” as his “biggest champion” and “most stalwart supporter.”
In a statement shared with Us Weekly, Dane’s family confirmed he passed away surrounded by loved ones, including Gayheart and their daughters. The family noted that throughout his journey with ALS, he became a passionate advocate for awareness and research.
According to the statement, “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.”
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I applaud Rebecca Gayheart for stepping up as such a positive role model for her daughters. She made sure her daughters will have good memories of their Dad, despite whatever problems she had with him. She taught them to step up with kindness and love.