Some friendships stay with you long after the moments have passed. Maria Shriver is now opening up about the bond she shared with Eric Dane in the final months of his life. In the Sunday, February 22 edition of her newsletter “Sunday Paper,” Shriver reflected on Dane’s strength and the purpose he found after his ALS diagnosis.
She described a man who chose transparency over silence and advocacy over retreat.
Maria Shriver Praises Eric Dane’s ALS Advocacy & Memoir Mission
“Eric bravely shared his ALS diagnosis with the world over this past year. He advocated for increased research and showed up in every way he could to focus our attention on this devastating neurological disease,” Shriver, 70, wrote.
“My team at The Open Field was honored when Eric chose our imprint to publish his memoir. He told me he wanted to write his book to share his story with the world.”
The Memoir Eric Dane Was Determined to Finish
Shriver’s Penguin Random House imprint, The Open Field, announced in December 2025 that Dane’s memoir, “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” is scheduled for release in 2026.
Shriver said they stayed in close communication about the project until shortly before his passing.
“He wrote it so that his family had something to be proud of,” she shared.
“Eric and I were scheduled to have lunch two weeks ago, but he wasn’t feeling well that morning, so we rescheduled for next week. His passing is another powerful reminder that today is all any of us have. Next week isn’t guaranteed.”
A press release describes the book as an invitation for readers to “consider their own time and how, amidst the noise and chaos of everyday life, we can learn to celebrate the days that matter the most.”
In a December 2025 interview with People, Dane spoke openly about why writing the memoir felt urgent.
“I wake up every morning, and I’m immediately reminded that this is real — this illness, this challenge, and that’s exactly why I’m writing this book,” he said.
“I want to capture the moments that shaped me — the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted — so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart. If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.”
Family Remembers Eric Dane’s Final Days
News broke Thursday that Dane passed away at 53 after battling ALS. In a statement shared on his official social media account, his family said the “Grey’s Anatomy” actor spent his final days surrounded by those closest to him, including his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia.
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight,” the statement read.
“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Support Grows as Fans and Friends Rally
In the days following his passing, tributes have continued to flow in from across Hollywood and beyond.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support his family. Hailey Bieber and Brad Falchuk are among the public figures who have donated.
GettyThe fundraiser states, “Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters. Thank you.”
For Shriver, the lunch that never took place now carries a quiet weight. It is a reminder of how easily tomorrow can shift and how deliberately Dane embraced the time he had, even while facing illness.
