A day after Patrick Dempsey and his wife Jillian Fink announced about their divorce, the "Grey's Anatomy" star and racing enthusiast skipped an autograph session for fans at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, which he usually attends.
An aspect of a four-man driver lineup in the No. 58 Porsche 911 fielded by Wright Motorsports, Dempsey was absent on the starting grid before the twice-about-the-clock endurance race at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 23.
After 15 years of marriage, Fink filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. She is seeking spousal and child support and joint custody of the three children. Dempsey's estimated net worth is $40 million and they reportedly do not have a prenup.
In a joint statement Dempsey and Fink released to TMZ, they said "it is with careful consideration and mutual respect that we have decided to end our marriage."
The two also added that their primary concern is still the well-being of their children, and they ask "with profound gratitude that you respect our family's privacy at this very sensitive time."
In an interview with The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Dempsey said he is certainly in "the best shape" that he has been in in his life and he does not feel 49.
For Dempsey, "if you do something that you love and you're very passionate about it, it's very healthy for you."
To devote more time to racing and developing his skills as a driver, Dempsey has made "much bigger commitment" and has worked over the past years to pursue a simple lifestyle, work out regularly, train physically and race mentally.