Exclusive
Rebecca Gayheart’s Boyfriend Has Been ‘Exceptionally Understanding’ as She Grieves Eric Dane’s Death (Exclusive)
Rebecca Gayheart is mourning the loss of husband Eric Dane.
A source tells Star that the former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress, 54, has been leaning heavily on her boyfriend of two years, businessman Peter Morton, after the Grey’s Anatomy actor gave them his blessing before passing away February 19 at 53 years old from ALS.
“Rebecca is still deep in the thick of grief, she’s devastated by Eric’s death and just trying to help her daughters get through this,” the source says.
As Star previously reported, Gayheart filed for divorce from Dane — who she shares daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14 — in 2018. However, she dismissed the petition in 2025 amid his ALS diagnosis to help care for him.
According to the source, Morton, 78, has been “exceptionally supportive and understanding” as Gayheart focuses on her family during this difficult time — he even helped manage both Dane’s care and their household during his illness.
The source also claims Dane — who was most recently linked to Janell Shirtcliff — was aware of Gayheart’s relationship with Morton, and handled it with what the source described as “remarkable grace.”
“He made it clear he wanted Rebecca to have support and companionship rather than face everything alone, which is a small reassurance for her,” the source continues.
Morton has remained respectful of Gayheart’s need to grieve, the source says, and has stayed in the background while also offering up support as she learns how to navigate life after Dane’s death.
