Priya Jain Opens Up About Eric Dane's Passing and Their Complicated Romance
Priya Jain, the ex-girlfriend of late actor Eric Dane, has spoken publicly for the first time since his death at age 53 last month after a battle with ALS. The 28-year-old model and actress shared her thoughts with TMZ while heading to The Abbey, a popular West Hollywood bar and restaurant, with friends.
Processing Grief and Fond Memories
'I'm processing,' Jain told the outlet when asked how she's been coping since Dane's passing on February 19. When questioned about her favorite memory of the Grey's Anatomy star, she responded simply, 'All of them. Eric was a great guy.'
The couple dated for approximately one year until summer 2025, when their relationship ended amid a love triangle situation. Jain was reportedly left 'blindsided' when Dane was seen stepping out with filmmaker and photographer Janell Shirtcliff, despite believing they were exclusive at the time.
Reconnection Before Tragedy
Despite the painful breakup, the former couple reconnected as friends shortly before Dane's death. 'In the months leading up to Eric's passing Priya and Eric reconnected their relationship as friends,' a source told Us Weekly, noting they ultimately made peace before his passing.
Jain was said to be particularly distressed by Dane's rapid health decline. 'Priya didn't think it would happen this quickly,' the insider revealed about the actor's ALS progression.
Focus on Family and Legacy
The actress expressed particular concern for Dane's family, telling TMZ, 'I'm glad his kids are there to keep the legacy alive.' She added that she wishes his family the best during this difficult time.
Dane had two daughters with estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart - Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14. Jain's kind words follow her $10,000 contribution to the late star's GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $475,000 toward its $500,000 goal as of March, with Gayheart listed as beneficiary.
Complicated Relationship History
Jain was first romantically linked to Dane in 2024 and was believed to still be in his life earlier this year. Following their split, she was spotted on dates with actor Joshua Jackson in August and September of last year, but she clarified to TMZ that she's currently not dating anyone.
'There's nobody I'm talking to in the slightest for the first time in a long time,' the brunette beauty explained about her current relationship status.
Dane's Family Situation
Dane and actress Rebecca Gayheart had separated in 2018 but called off their divorce in March 2025, just one month before the actor announced his ALS diagnosis. In a December piece for The Cut, Gayheart shed light on their complicated relationship, describing her love for him as 'familial' rather than romantic.
'We had a really lovely marriage for a long time - we were married for 15 years - we created two beautiful girls,' Gayheart wrote. 'But also, lots of s**t went crazy in our relationship, and it wasn't good. We separated, but we never got a divorce; we were about to and then we didn't.'
She acknowledged their situation was confusing to outsiders, noting they hadn't lived together for eight years and both had dated other people during their separation.
Moving Forward with Memories
The source close to Jain told Us Weekly that she remains 'so sad and devastated' by Dane's passing but is 'grateful' his children 'exist to keep his memory alive.' Jain reportedly 'has a lot of love for his family' and 'knows how hard this is for his daughters,' according to the insider.
As the entertainment community continues to mourn Eric Dane's passing, Priya Jain's reflections offer a personal glimpse into the actor's final months and the complex relationships that defined his later years.
