Dane, who had been diagnosed with the rare degenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The grieving family confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE, which reads: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. 

"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. "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 message concluded: "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."

In April last year, Dane revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS, a rare degenerative form of motor neurone disease. It leads to muscle weakness in the arms and legs, often causing people to trip or struggle to hold onto things. 

Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on which nerve cells are affected. In most cases, it begins with mild muscle weakness that gradually spreads and becomes more severe over time. Dane's wife opened up about their relationship just one day before Dane announced his diagnosis back in April last year. 

The former Beverly Hills, 90210 star's comments also came a month after she filed to dismiss her 2018 divorce from Dane. He agreed to the filing, and a court in Los Angeles later closed the case, according to documents obtained by E!.

Speaking with E! News at the time, Gayheart said the two were 'best friends'. After calling off their divorce, she explained: "We are really close. We are great coparents. "We really figured out the formula to staying a family, and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from i,t and we are as well."

The American model also reflected on their marriage and why she doesn't believe their relationship is a 'failure', adding: "I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It's just a season. "It wasn't a failure. It was a huge success." 

Talking about perspective, the mum-of-two added: "We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids, so I think that's a successful relationship, and that's how we look at it."