Maria Shriver is opening up about the unique connection she had with the late Eric Dane.
“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 in the Sunday, February 22, edition of her Sunday Paper. “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.”
Shriver’s Penguin Random House publishing imprint, The Open Field, announced in December 2025 that Dane’s book, titled Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, would hit shelves in 2026.
According to Shriver, she was engaged in ongoing conversations with Dane about the project up until his death on Thursday, February 19.
“He wrote it so that his family had something to be proud of,” she wrote. “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.”
According to a press release, Dane’s book invites 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.”
“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,” Dane said in a statement to People in December 2025. “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.”
News broke on Thursday that Dane had died at the age of 53 following a courageous battle with ALS.
In a statement to Us Weekly, the family said the Grey’s Anatomy actor spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [Rebecca Gayheart], and his two beautiful 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.”
Since Dane’s death, a GoFundMe page has been launched in support of his family. Hailey Bieber and Brad Falchuk are just some of the stars who have donated.
“Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters,” the page stated. “Thank you.”
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