Isaiah Washington publicly addressed the death of his wife, Jenisa Garland, more than a year after losing her at 59.
The Grey’s Anatomy alum shared the details on Instagram on October 3. Washington said Garland suddenly collapsed in May 2025 and never recovered from a severe stroke.
Isaiah Washington reveals wife Jenisa Garland died after a massive hemorrhagic stroke
Washington said Garland collapsed on May 31, 2025. She died nine days later, on June 9.
“Yes…the rumors are true. My dear wife of 29 years collapsed suddenly on May 31, 2025 and passed away on June 9, 2025,” Washington wrote.
As per Entertainment Weekly, he then disclosed the cause of the medical emergency.
“She succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered,” he said.
Washington and Garland had been married for 29 years. They shared three children, Isaiah, Tyme, and Iman.
The actor had kept the Jenisa Garland death largely private for 16 months before discussing it publicly. He acknowledged Garland’s preference for privacy while explaining why he decided to share what happened.
“I don’t know if this is an appropriate post, because Jenisa Washington was extremely private,” Washington wrote.
He also used the post to encourage people to take persistent headaches seriously. Washington said some headaches could signal a more serious medical problem and urged people to seek appropriate medical attention.
Garland’s death prompted messages of support from several of Washington’s peers. Viola Davis offered her condolences in the comments. Debi Mazar also sent support to Washington and his family.
Washington became widely known for playing Preston Burke during the first three seasons of Grey’s Anatomy. He later briefly returned to the medical drama in 2014.
The actor announced his retirement from acting in February 2023. However, he recently suggested that he might return to the industry.
“I have said ‘no’ for 3 years now. Time to say ‘yes’ and get back on the big screen with a BANG! Keep watching me…” Washington wrote in a separate Instagram post.
His latest personal update, however, centered on Garland and the three children she left behind.
