Grey’s Anatomy alum Isaiah Washington and Jenisa Marie Garland were married for nearly three decades before her sudden death.
Washington, who rose to stardom while playing Preston Burke on Grey’s Anatomy, was briefly married and divorced at 21 before he met Garland. The duo were introduced in 1995 and exchanged vows one year later.
The couple went on to welcome three children: sons Isaiah and Tyme and daughter Iman.
“For me, being married and having children did change a lot of my trajectory,” Washington told Fox News Digital in 2022 about how his professional life took a back seat. “That’s why I didn’t want to get married 25 years ago, but I’m glad I did because the wife and children really make you the best human being that you can be.”
While Washington kept his marriage out of the spotlight, his career made headlines in 2007 when he was fired from Grey’s for allegedly using a homophobic slur toward costar T.R. Knight. He later apologized and returned briefly to the show in 2014.
Washington later announced his retirement from acting in 2023 before appearing in multiple movies. He surprised fans in 2026 by confirming Garland had suddenly died one year prior.
“Yes … the rumors are true. My dear wife of 29 years collapsed suddenly on May 31, 2025 and passed away on June 9, 2025,” he wrote via Instagram in October 2026. “It came as a huge shock to me and our entire family. She succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered.”
Keep scrolling to relive Washington and Garland’s relationship:
1995
Washington gave comedian Reggie McFadden credit for helping him meet Garland, writing via Instagram in October 2026, “RIP Reggie McFadden. Say hello to Jenisa Washington, because it was you who introduced me to her in 1995. 🙏🏾.”
1996
The pair got married one year after meeting and went on to welcome three kids.
2005
Washington and Garland made their red carpet debut at the ABC TCA party in July 2005.
2006
Washington and Garland packed on the PDA at the 2006 American Music Awards in Los Angeles.
2017
Despite keeping their marriage out of the public eye, Washington and Garland posed for photos at a premiere in 2017.
2019
One of Washington and Garland’s final red carpet appearances was at the 50th NAACP Image Awards at the Dolby Theatre. (One year prior, the couple attended an event with their three kids in a rare public appearance.)
2022
“I always told my wife, since I have the kids and a wife, that I would rather kiss a horse than a woman on screen,” Washington told Fox News Digital in September 2022 about how marriage changed his career. “Because then I have to explain myself to my daughter, like, ‘Why are you kissing a strange woman?’”
Washington added: “I’ve said ‘no’ more than I have said ‘yes.’”
2025
Garland died suddenly in 2025 after collapsing at home.
“Listen, ya’ll…some headaches are not just headaches or migraines, they can be much worse and a warning sign. Get a brain scan if you can and take those headaches seriously,” Washington wrote via Instagram one year later. “She has been gone 13 months now, but she left 3 incredibly amazing children behind to continue her legacy. I don’t know if this is an appropriate post, because Jenisa Washington was extremely private, but I guess I just have to be reprimanded from her on the other side.”
2026
After Washington confirmed his wife’s death, he received an outpouring of love on social media.
Viola Davis wrote, “So very sorry Isaiah❤️,” while Tichina Arnold commented, “You already know IW. Always Love for you & your tribe. Ase.”
Debi Mazar also replied, writing, “My condolences Isaiah To you and your family🕊️🙏🕊️.”
