Former Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has revealed the heartbreaking news that his wife of 29 years, Jenisa Garland, died in June 2025 after suffering a massive hemorrhagic stroke.
Washington, 63, shared the news publicly over the weekend, more than a year after Garland’s death. In an emotional social media post, the actor explained that his wife suddenly collapsed on May 31, 2025, and died nine days later on June 9.
“It came as a huge shock to me and our entire family,” Washington wrote, revealing that Garland “succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered.”
Washington said he had chosen to keep the news private because Garland was an extremely private person. He acknowledged that she might not have wanted him to publicly discuss her death, but felt compelled to share the news with his followers.
Remembering His Wife
Washington and Garland were married in 1996 after being introduced the previous year. The couple shared three children: Isaiah, Tyme and Iman.
The actor has previously spoken about how marriage and fatherhood changed his life and career. In past interviews, Washington described his wife and children as an important part of his journey and said becoming a husband and father helped him become a better person.
Following Garland’s death, Washington has largely kept his grief private. He said she has now been gone for 16 months but left behind three children who will continue her legacy.
Washington also recently revealed that the late actor and comedian Reggie McFadden played a special role in his personal life. He credited McFadden with introducing him to Jenisa in 1995.
Washington Urges People to Take Headaches Seriously
As he shared the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death, Washington also encouraged his followers not to dismiss persistent or severe headaches.
“Some headaches are not just headaches or migraines,” he wrote, warning that they can sometimes be a sign of something much more serious. He encouraged people to take concerning symptoms seriously and discuss them with their doctors.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures and causes bleeding, making it a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
Washington’s announcement prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends and fellow entertainers, including Viola Davis, Tichina Arnold and Debi Mazar.
Isaiah Washington’s Career
Washington became a household name playing Dr. Preston Burke on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, appearing during the show’s first three seasons beginning in 2005. He later returned for a guest appearance in 2014.
His other credits include films such as Crooklyn, Love Jones, Romeo Must Die and Hollywood Homicide, as well as television roles in The 100 and P-Valley.
Washington announced his retirement from acting in 2023, although he recently suggested that he may be considering a return to the big screen.
For now, Washington is remembering the woman who stood beside him for nearly three decades and honoring the legacy she leaves through their three children.
Y’all Know What sends our deepest condolences to Isaiah Washington, his children, family and everyone who loved Jenisa Garland. May she continue to rest in peace.
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