On Tuesday, Mar. 3, the 54-year-old actress shared an Instagram Stories photo of a much younger Billie enjoying a sweet treat. In the throwback image, Billie smiles while holding an ice cream cone at a table.
“Happy Sweet 16 to the sweetest girl — mommy loves you to the moon and back unconditionally forever and ever,” Gayheart wrote across the picture.
She also posted a collage featuring moments from Billie’s life, including photos of her with her dad, Dane.
Dane died at 53 on Thursday, Feb. 19, just 10 months after publicly revealing his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” read a statement from his family. “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. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and was forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Months before his death, the Euphoria star recorded one final interview for Netflix’s new series Famous Last Words. The interview was conducted in secret and released only after his passing.
At the end of the recording, Dane addressed his teenage daughters, Billie and 13-year-old Georgia, directly after being left alone with the camera.
“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you,” he began. “I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we?”
“I hope I’ve demonstrated that you can face anything. You can face the end of your days. You can face hell with dignity. Fight, girls, and hold your heads high,” he continued, growing emotional. “Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
