Rebecca Gayheart begs fans to sign $500M ALS petition post Dane's death

**Rebecca Gayheart Urges Fans to Sign Petition for ALS Bill After Husband Eric Dane’s Death**

Rebecca Gayheart posted a plea on Instagram Friday, September 11, urging followers to sign the I Am ALS petition supporting the ACT for ALS Bill. The bill could allocate $500 million for research, treatment access, and hope for families affected by the disease. Her message came after Eric Dane’s death in February of the same year.

Dane, 53, had been diagnosed with ALS a year earlier and died on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle. He spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife and two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family released a statement confirming his passing and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love.

The Instagram post included a link to the petition and an urgent appeal: “We have until Sunday to get as many signatures as we can.” Gayheart said that passing the bill would mean the world to her family and to others fighting the disease.

## Background & Context

Eric Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004; they divorced in 2018. During their marriage they welcomed two daughters, Billie and Georgia. After Dane’s ALS diagnosis, Gayheart withdrew a divorce petition in 2025, stating that “We’re still best friends, but we’re not together.

We still love each other deeply.”

Dane’s public advocacy for ALS intensified during his illness. In a posthumous interview titled “Famous Last Words,” released on Netflix hours after his death, he reflected on his relationship with Gayheart and his commitment to the cause.

He said, “I will never… have fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca.” He also praised her willingness to “show up and do her part.”

The family’s obituary noted that Dane “became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.” They added that he adored his fans and was “forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.” The family requested privacy during this difficult time.

## What People Are Saying

Gayheart’s Instagram caption read: “You might remember Eric’s work for @iamalsorg.” She added, “He worked hard to raise awareness for the ACT for ALS Bill, which could provide $500 million for ALS research, treatment access and hope for families battling this disease.”

In the same post she urged followers to “Click the link to sign the petition or share it with a friend. Getting this passed would mean the world to my family.” The petition’s was set for Sunday, providing a narrow window for supporters to act.

Dane’s own words from his interview highlighted his love for Rebecca and his admiration of her fight. He said, “Rebecca’s a fighter and she perseveres.” These remarks reinforce the emotional weight of the advocacy effort.

## What Happens Next

The petition link shared by Gayheart directs users to the I Am ALS platform, where they can add their names in support of the ACT for ALS Bill. Signatories are encouraged to share the petition with friends and family before the Sunday.

, Congress must act swiftly: “Please help us make sure that Congress does not continue to delay the passing of this bill.” The goal is to secure $500 million in funding for research, treatment access, and hope for families.

The family has requested privacy as they navigate this impossible time, but they remain open to public support through the petition. They hope that collective action can honor Eric Dane’s legacy and advance the cause he championed.

In a moment of quiet remembrance, fans and advocates alike are rallying behind a bill that could bring lasting change to ALS patients worldwide.